Tom Evans a Lewes AC runner travelled to much warmer climes and took on the Costa Rica Coastal Challenge. This is a 230km, six stage race run over six days from the 11th to the 18th of February.
Taking on the top trail runners from across the globe Tom won the race by 4mins 38 seconds, beating all the top and experienced Trail Runner from the US. He also broke every stage record, resulting in breaking the course record by 45mins.
The race takes place every year along Costa Rica’s lush and tropical Pacific coastline. The course weaves in and out of the Talamancas which is a coastal mountain range spread across the southwest corner of the country. It is part jungle, part trail and part alpine race. The race included barren rocky outcrops up to the Unesco World Heritage site, the Corcovado National Park truly a tough and challenging course.
Tom said after winning the race ‘that the heat, humidity, terrain and international competition all added up to make it a super tough and amazing race. The course was so varied, running on beaches, up river beds, small jungle trails and dirt roads. I’m really pleased with the race and looking forward to building on this performance’
This is not the first time that Tom has taken on international events and runners. In 2017 Tom was the first Brit ever to medal in the Marathon Des Sable winning a bronze medal just behind the experienced El Morabity brothers from Morocco. This is a staged race over 10 days and covers 250kms across the Sahara Desert.
Tom said that he has recovered well from his Costa Rica experience and his next race will be part of the Sussex team at the Inter-counties cross country Championships at Loughborough on the 10th March. This race will be part of Tom’s build up to be part of Team GB at the Trail World Championships in May in Spain.
by Peter Masters
If you have any queries or want more information regarding this post, please Email Peter Masters