To try to understand why Ultra Trail Costa Rica (UTCR) Arenal Volcano is so extraordinary, you must already know the place. In its preserved environment, where the rainforest dives in the huge lake, that magnificent volcano named Arenal seems to ensure peace and enchantment reigning here.
This past Saturday the 12th of March, at the dawn, in this little village of El Castillo, about 80 runners were ready to start the race, on the 80k or the 51k. In spite of the early rain, we find the so valued atmosphere of the Ultra-running. Everyone shows his enthusiasm before starting the adventure; cause YES, that UTCR is certainly an adventure! If you imagine yourself crossing 3 rivers, enter in the heart of the rainforest and climb 600 meters high on a technical single track, You would see only 12 kilometers!
It is on the finish line you become aware of the magic of that race. After a course showing a great variety of terrains and atmospheres, there are only smiles on the runners faces, proud because they achieved their challenge, but also happy of discovering that incredible region of Costa Rica.
The day after, clouds and rain gave way to sun, and the 500 participants of the 3 races of the day: 21, 10 and 6k started in face of the Arenal volcano. You also discover a new side of the Costa Rica: the communicative happiness of the locals filling the race arena with festive atmosphere which last until the last arrivals.
For the director of Costa Rica Race, the Costa Rican society organizer of the event, this edition is a success and shows the potential of the race: an main event of the international calendar, which will stay the product of a close collaboration between organizers, El Castillo inhabitants and partners, to show the beauty and the know-how of the country to all runners in the world.
Save the date for the next year: the 17, 18 and 19 of March 2017! Costa Rica Race organize the Marathon Nocturna Volcan Irazu (9th of April 2016) and the Morocco Race (25 of November 2016). Find more information on the Costa Rica Race website: www.costaricarace.com
Press release by Philippe, Race Director, Costa Rica Race. Photos by Dylan Haskin. Costa Rica Race is a member of the American Trail Running Association.
