The Coastal Challenge is a 250km / 6 stages ultra marathon in Quepos, Costa Rica. Distance: 250km. Elevation: 8,000m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 66/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 60h. Surface: trail. Established 2004.
The Coastal Challenge
Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
"250km in 6 days along Costa Rica's Pacific coast — jungle, mountains, and beach through the most biodiverse country on Earth."
A 6-day stage race through Costa Rica's jungle, mountains, and Pacific beaches — 250km through extraordinary biodiversity.
The Course
A 6-day stage race along Costa Rica's Pacific coast from the mountains to the beach. Jungle trails, river crossings, beach running, and mountain ascents through some of the most biodiverse terrain on Earth. Monkeys, macaws, and crocodiles are common sights.
mountainous
point-to-point
3
1,200m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
28°C
22° – 34°
90%
30%
Tropical Pacific coast. Hot and extremely humid. Brief afternoon rain showers possible. Dense jungle sections have no airflow.
Stats & Records
2004
100
36:00:00
18:15:00
Tobias Lundgren (2022)
22:30:00
Anna Frost (2019)
Entry
$2400
May
months
Lore & Trivia
The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica traverses the Osa Peninsula — the most biologically intense place on earth according to National Geographic. The multi-stage race crosses primary rainforest, fords crocodile-inhabited rivers, and runs along Pacific beaches where scarlet macaws nest. The heat and humidity are crushing but the wildlife encounters — howler monkeys, toucans, poison dart frogs — make every suffering-filled kilometre worthwhile.
- ▸ Runners regularly spot monkeys, macaws, toucans, and even crocodiles along the route.
- ▸ River crossings can be waist-deep, requiring rope assistance during high water.
- ▸ The race alternates between beach running, jungle trails, and mountain terrain — never monotonous.
- ▸ Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's biodiversity in just 0.03% of the planet's surface area.
- ▸ Established in 2004.
Costa Rica has 5% of the world's species in 0.03% of its surface area. Running through it is a nature documentary at 10km/h.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
7 FEB 2027
The Coastal Challenge
Quepos, Costa Rica
13 MAY 2026
Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
8 AUG 2026
Big Red Run
Birdsville, Australia
24 MAY 2026
Cape Wrath Ultra
Fort William, United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is The Coastal Challenge? +
The Coastal Challenge is a 250km / 6 stages (250km) ultra marathon with 8,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is The Coastal Challenge? +
The Coastal Challenge is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 66/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 60 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at The Coastal Challenge? +
Average temperature is 28°C (range 22°C to 34°C) with 90% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. Tropical Pacific coast. Hot and extremely humid. Brief afternoon rain showers possible. Dense jungle sections have no airflow.
Are crew and pacers allowed at The Coastal Challenge? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for The Coastal Challenge? +
The men's course record is 18:15:00 set by Tobias Lundgren in 2022. The women's course record is 22:30:00 set by Anna Frost in 2019.
What is the average finish time for The Coastal Challenge? +
The average finish time is 36:00:00. About 100 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly