The Coastal Challenge: a New Name and a Growing Family

I’ve been following (obviously and unfortunately through the distance) The Coastal Challenge for the past two years. There’s something in events happening in tropical regions that greatly appeal to me. So it’s always good news to see more of this type of adventure/running races. In this case it’s TCC founder Tim Holmstrom who is expanding its family to cover more events with an improved organization and sponsorship.

To streamline their operation and give a global improved experience, TCC will get global new name, TCC Adventures, and new sponsorship platform to back their ambitious schedule of off-road races for 2010. Those events will be:

XX minus Y: Surf & Run (Jan ‘10): A new event for tis year, the surf and run is for the ladies only, and will have them surfing and racing through the tropical trails of Costa Rica. I’m really curious to see how this hybrid event unfolds, because this format has ever been offered before.

TCC: Route of Fire (Jan ‘10): I’ve already talked about The Coastal Challenge before, especially since this year’s edition had Scott Jurek among its participants. The 6th edition will take runners again through 200 kilometers of exotic and wild Costa Rican mountainous regions and rugged coastline. River crossings, rainforests, jungles, windswept highlands, beaches and rock outcroppings is what participants can expect for the 6-day event. Needless to say, all this through some of the most breathtaking and remote running routes in the world.

TCC Island Run (April ‘10): A four-day event set in Panama where runners will hop fro island to island on a remote and tranquil archipelago. With daily distances between 15 and 25 kilometers this race has a more relaxed nature, with the possibility to explore the islands or join staff on daily-guided excursions. If you’re thinking “nice running vacation trip”, hurry up, registration will be capped at 60 competitors.

TCC Inca Run (Sept ‘10): This is going to be the second edition of this 5-day race to be held in Bolivia. A total of 160 km that allows for both an expedition style stage race and a non-stop ultra run at the same event, allowing you to choose the type of race experience you prefer. Trekking trails and dirt paths in the Andes (with route elevations of between 2800 – 5100 meters) await the (maximum) 80 competitors.

I can’t wait to see footage of those events!