Ben’s Coastal Challenge
COASTAL CHALLENGE – NOT A RUN IN THE PARK!
The Coastal Challenge, one of the world’s most grueling, scenic, and exciting long distance stage races takes place in our backyard – showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and unspoiled beaches. Over a span of six days in February a small group of elite runners were (properly) tested, both physically and mentally, with no room for weakness, doubt, second thoughts or hesitation – this is the big leagues!
BEN TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE…AGAIN
Local pride was strong as Ben, a resident of Ojochal, took on the challenge for a second time—his first run was back in 2019. By day, Ben works as a real estate franchisee with RE/MAX We Sell Paradise. But before sunrise, he hits the mountain trails, training in the dark with water, a flashlight, and a taser in hand. He’s seen Black Panthers more than once, especially around twilight, and he doesn’t take chances.
Many readers have likely spotted him during those early morning runs or long weekend excursions along the costanera.
VERY SPECIAL VISITORS
Ben’s run was especially meaningful this time. His daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters flew in from Sydney, Australia, to cheer him on. Their support added heart to every step.
Meanwhile, Heather kept spirits high with informal pit stop entertainment. With horns blaring and words of encouragement echoing along the route, Ben’s journey may have felt just a little lighter.
RACE STAGES
The race unfolds over six grueling stages, covering 244 kilometers and climbing a staggering 8,750 meters—nearly the height of Mount Everest. Each day pushes runners across beaches, through mangroves, into dense jungle, over coastal mountains, and across waterfalls and mountain rivers—all under Costa Rica’s steamy tropical heat.
Some river crossings are downright dangerous. Strong currents, deep channels, and even crocodiles make wading impossible. Thankfully, boats are provided to ferry runners safely across.
It’s not just a race. It’s a full-body, full-spirit adventure. Definitely a week to remember.
THE TRACK
The race kicks off in Quepos and winds south through Dominical, Marino Ballena, and Palmar Sur, before finishing in Drake Bay—right at the doorstep of Corcovado National Park. National Geographic calls it “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.”
Along the route, Aid Stations offer vital support. Runners can grab water, light snacks, and take a break in the shade before pressing on through Costa Rica’s wild terrain.
BEN’S SUPPORT TEAM
Ben’s support crew—Heather, his son, daughter, two granddaughters, and son-in-law—followed him faithfully each day. They set up camp or waited at Aid Stations, ready to cheer him on and hand him a cold drink. Heather’s karaoke system added a lively soundtrack, entertaining anyone within earshot.
The team met Ben several times a day. Each time, they packed up and raced to the next rendezvous point. That often meant navigating questionable roads—some barely marked, others missing from maps entirely. In the end, the support crew had an adventure of their own.
NOT A WALK IN THE PARK!
Ben took this race seriously, as he should. “This is one of the hardest runs in the world. Imagine running a marathon per day for six consecutive days, except you are not running on flat roads but instead are going over sand, rocks, rivers, mud, up and down big mountains. And you are doing this in tropical heat, the sun scorching you all day long. Myself and most runners don’t care about the clock or who finishes in which place, all we care about is that we finish each stage and we take things day-by-day.”
This year’s run unfolded under typical hot and sunny skies—just weeks ahead of March’s unseasonably heavy rains. The runners knew what to expect and came prepared. Still, human error crept in. A miscalculation added 4 unexpected kilometers to Stage 4.
Four kilometers may not sound like much in a 244-kilometer race. But when runners carefully ration water and carry only what they need, that extra stretch becomes a serious challenge. Many found themselves parched, pushing through the final leg without a drop to drink.
Ben reached the Stage 4 finish just before nightfall—thirsty, tired, and in good company. He wasn’t the only one feeling the strain.
THE FINISH!
Fitting for our location, the Coastal Challenge starts on the beach and it ends on the beach – with plenty of sand to negotiate during the various sections. While not all runners made it to the finish, Ben had a big smile on his face as he ran towards the line, his two granddaughters joining him for the final stretch.
THE EXPEDITION RUN – DETAILED STAGES
Coastal Challenge is not a single race but two runs in one – the EXPEDITION race is 244km in total while the ADVENTURE race cuts the distances in each stage, for a total distance of 131 km. Since Ben participated in the EXPEDITION race we will omit talking about the shorter version.
Distances & Climbs
The race starts near Quepos and ends near Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, home of the world-famous Corcovado National Park. It is composed of six stages:
STAGE 1 – Quepos to Savagre River.
33.5 km, 850m climb.
STAGE 2 – Savagre River to Dominical.
40.2 km, 1740m climb.
STAGE 3 – Dominical to Marino Ballena (Uvita).
47.5 km, 1735m climb.
STAGE 4 – Marino Ballena to Palmar Sur.
36.2 km, 2083m climb.
STAGE 5 – Palmar Sur to Drake Bay
47.8 km, 1732m climb.
STAGE 6 – Drake Bay circuit
36 km, 650m climb
Sleep & Meals
In between stages the runners camp out in tents with a 3:30 AM wake-up call and 5:30 AM start – the sun is still below the horizon and Howler Monkeys are just starting to wake up. Three meals are provided by the organizers each day, with aid stations along the way.
Join me in congratulating Ben for smashing the race and reaching the finish line with a smile, and be sure to give him a friendly honk or wave when you see him slugging along the Ojochal area in the early morning – because there is always a Costal Challenge just around the corner!
Fitness and Costa Ballena go together like a horse and carriage! Organized runs, pickleball tournaments, yoga & pilates studios, running clubs, tennis courts & soccer fields, surfing & bodyboarding, beach volleyball…you name it! All of these activities can be found in and around Ojochal – living here surely puts you in the ‘active’ spirit – and we at RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE are ready to help you join the local fitness landscape! Browse our local area listings and, when ready, get in touch – we are waiting for your call!
