The Coastal Challenge Opens Registration for 2009 Race

Trumbull, CT - The Coastal Challenge (TCC), the World’s Expedition Run, has opened registration for its 2009 race, the “Rainforest Run,” scheduled February 1-6 along Costa Rica’s tropical Pacific coastline. Additionally, TCC has launched a revamped web site as well as an all-new blog that will serve as a meeting and discussion point for former, current and potential competitors.

Set in Costa Rica’s pristine southern region, the “Rainforest Run” will utilize the country’s rich rainforests as a backdrop for a diverse course that moves from jungle and rainforest trails to highlands, coastal ranges, reefs, and river crossings. The route, which takes a decidedly different feel from last year’s “Route of Fire” in the Northwest, and will weave from the beach into the Talamancas, a coastal mountain range, before finishing in Corcovado National Park, one of the world’s premier rainforest experiences and Unesco World Heritage site. The Rainforest Run will also feature a first-ever night run in which racers will traverse a portion of the course in the dark, navigating via torch-lit trails.

“We considered a wealth of runner feedback when deciding on this year’s route,” said Tim Holmstrom, race director. “The Rainforest Run combines the best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty with a stunning and challenging route that will reward athletes of all levels.”

The race, which will be capped at 125 competitors, offers four categories of participation:

• Team Expedition Run - Runners sign up in teams of three to six
• Solo Expedition Run - The full 200+ kilometer Expedition Run
• Solo Adventure Run - A shortened, yet extremely challenging 125-kilometer route
• Guest Adventure Tours - Daily adventure tours like river rafting, nature hikes and more available to guests of the runners.

The new course served as the inspiration for the revamped www.thecoastalchallenge.com, which includes additional photos and information, and will unveil the complete route later this year. Also, in an effort to connect competitors before and after the event, TCC has created a blog.

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