COSTA
RICA 24hr ADVENTURE RACE
(Arenal Volcano)2009
COSTA RICA
24hr ADVENTURE RACE
2009 Dates and Prices TBC
Adventure Racing in Costa Rica is alive and kicking!
Costa Ricans (Ticos) have enjoyed the sport for a number of
years. The Raid-Gauloise AR in the early 90s got the
ball rolling and it has continued ever since.
There have been several Tico teams who have competed outside the country in events such as the Eco Challenge and Primal Quest but there are many teams that can't afford to race outside the country so they really enjoy the international competition.
2008's race took place near the Arenal Volcano. Race activities include jungle trekking, canopy traversing and navigation over a course of between 70km and 145 km (depending on the route PRO or SPORT).
Travelling through the day and into the night, the route uncovers the diverse and rugged terrain of the area. After a long night of racing, the sun creeping up over the distant horizon will be a welcome sight. Arriving at the finish after completing this gruelling course will give you an incredible sense of achievement.
There are two different itineraries for the race PRO or SPORT and two different lengths of stay 6 or 8 days. The 8 day itinerary allows you to spend a little longer in-country and take part in a 2-day rafting trip.
The 24 Hours of Costa Rica Adventure Race is an expedition style race. This year’s race features 2 routes – the PRO route that is between 100 – 145 km and the SPORT route that is 70 – 90 km in total. Both routes will be marked by check points. Some of these points will have staff signing teams off and stamping passports while others will just be a box chained to a tree. At these Way Point Boxes you will be required to deposit a WPB card and take a picture of the rest of your team in front of the box. Teams will receive maps and instructions to the location of these check points. Teams must reach these check points in the order that has been outlined in the instructions. The first set of instructions will be given out minutes before the start of the race. A new set of instructions for the following stage will be handed out at the conclusion of each stage.
TREKKING
The protected virgin rainforest around the Arenal Volcano make for some amazing trekking route possibilities. Teams can expect to trek on trails through rainforest, along river banks and country roads.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The mountain biking portions of the race will test the endurance and skill of every team member - mountain biking on just about every type of terrain imaginable can be expected.
CLIMBING/ROPES
These sections of the race will be pre-set fixed rope sections. Experienced climbing personnel will be stationed at these rope sections. Expect to go up, down and across.
PADDLING
Sea kayaking on Lake Arenal will be a big part of the race. In past years teams have spent 8-10 hour paddling on the lake.
NAVIGATION
Proficiency in navigation will be required throughout the race. Navigation will be challenging, so the ability to read a compass, follow a bearing, read and follow topographical maps, and follow the terrain is critical. Teams may only use a compass, protractor, and altimeter for navigation. GPS units are NOT permitted.
Map Of The
Route
The route remains a top secret until race day!
Charity
As you are taking on an
extreme challenge, why not run this event for charity? Many
charities will agree to cover a percentage of the costs if
you agree to and meet a fundraising target. Click here
to view the charities currently supporting the extreme
series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.
Prices for 2008 : Either 6 or 8 day itineraries
Please note Across the Divide do not provide international flights for this challenge.
6 Day Itinerary
Option 1: Self funding
Option 2: Sponsorship packages
Team of 4
Registration Fee: £150
Ground Costs, excluding flights and reg fee: £300 per person, £1,200 per team
Team of 4
Registration Fee: £150
Ground cost sponsorship package exc reg fee: Arrange own flight costs + minimum sponsorship of £600 per person, £2,400 per team
Team of 3
Registration Fee: £150
Ground Costs, excluding flights and reg fee: £320 per person, £960 per team
Team of 3
Registration Fee: £150
Ground cost sponsorship package exc reg fee: Arrange own flight costs + minimum sponsorship of £640 per person, £1,920 per team
Team of 2
Registration Fee: £150
Ground Costs, excluding flights and reg fee: £410 per person, £820 per team
Team of 2
Registration Fee: £150
Ground cost sponsorship package exc reg fee: Arrange own flight costs + minimum sponsorship of £820 per person, £1,640 per team
Minimum sponsorship: No minimum sponsorship
Insurance: £45 per person (price valid until 31 Dec 2008)
Insurance: £45 per person (price valid until 31 Dec 2008)
8 Day Itinerary
Option 1: Self funding
Option 2: Sponsorship packages
Team of 4
Registration Fee: £150
Ground Costs, excluding flights and reg fee: £360 per person, £1,440 per team
Team of 4
Registration Fee: £150
Ground cost sponsorship package exc reg fee: Arrange own flight costs + minimum sponsorship of £720 per person, £2,900 per team
Team of 3
Registration Fee: £150
Ground Costs, excluding flights and reg fee: £385 per person, £1,155 per team
Team of 3
Registration Fee: £150
Ground cost sponsorship package exc reg fee: Arrange own flight costs + minimum sponsorship of £770 per person, £2,400 per team
Team of 2
Registration Fee: £150
Ground Costs, excluding flights and reg fee: £450 per person, £900 per team
Team of 2
Registration Fee: £150
Ground cost sponsorship package exc reg fee: Arrange own flight costs + minimum sponsorship of £900 per person, £1,800 per team
Minimum sponsorship: No minimum sponsorship
Insurance: £45 per person
Insurance: £45 per person
Basic rules and race regulations
1. All disputes, environmental/ecological breeches, race course discrepancies, accusations of race course misconduct including tampering with race course markings, etc. brought to the attention of the race committee will be dealt with in accordance with the rules herein set forth. Teams that do not comply with general rules and regulations of the 24 Hours of Costa Rica Adventure Race, face disqualification.
2. There is one official time clock. The clock starts when teams start and stops when the last team crosses the finish.
3. Remember that environmental and ecological preservation will be STRICTLY ENFORCED.
4. All persons participating in the 24 Hours of Costa Rica Adventure Race are subject to the laws of Costa Rica.
5. Participants must be 18 years of age on or before the date of event.
6. All racers must read and sign waivers prior to being allowed to compete.
TEAM RULE:
1. Teams must compete in one of the following categories (PRO - mixed 4, open 4, open 3 and open 2, SPORT - mixed 3, open 3 or open 2). If one team member withdraws at any time during the event, the remaining team members may continue unranked.
2. When on the racecourse, teams must remain in view of each other at all times. There will be a maximum distance limitation of 25 meters between team members. Teams who enter a checkpoint or transition area separated by more than 100 meters will be disqualified and asked to leave the course. If at any other time during the course of the race teams are found separated by more than 100 meters, a penalty ranging from ½ an hour to disqualification will be applied.
3. The 24 Hours of Costa Rica Adventure Race jerseys must be worn at all times during the event. Failure to comply will result in a penalty ranging from ½ hour to disqualification.
4. Mandatory team gear may be spot-checked at any time during the event. If items are found missing, teams will face a penalty ranging from ½ hour to disqualification which will be assessed at the next transition area. Teams will then be required to replace the missing equipment before leaving this transition area.
5. Teams that arrive at a PC without a stamp from the previous PC will not be allowed to continue until they acquire that stamp. If for some reason this goes without detection until further along the route, the team must return to that PC for the missing stamp or face disqualification, no matter where the discrepancy is found.
6. Teams are responsible to make sure that their passport has been stamped at each PC and that they have signed the PC control sheet.
CUT OFF TIMES:
Cut off times will be determined prior to race day. Any cut off points will be established to allow the safe management of teams throughout the course. Every attempt will be made to determine appropriate locations of cut offs that will allow teams to continue on the course unranked for their enjoyment. This will be done through the elimination of sections of the course that does not allow unranked teams to cross the finish line prior to the winning teams
Our policy is £47.00
for up to 10, or part thereof, days travel. For each additional
week a charge of £10.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica and can stay as visitors for up to three months. Passports should have a validity of more than six months from the date of entry. If a longer stay is required or for employment, the Costa Rican Embassy, Costa Rican Representation in the UK, should be contacted for advice. The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.
All non UK nationals will need to check their visa requirements with their nearest Costa Rican Embassy.
Terms and Conditions
Please click
here for our full terms and conditions.
FAQs
Who are Across the Divide?
Across the Divide was established in 1996 by Mark and Karen
Hannaford, using their many years of experience in organising
expeditions and managing large events. Across the Divide has
ten years of working closely with our charity clients to deliver
exceptional worldwide challenges. Please visit Across
the Divide for further information.
Will the adventure race be
safe?
Yes. Across the Divide's main focus is on participant safety.
The local agents logistic and safety provisions have been fully checked and approved. The medical coverage is provided by the Red Cross of Costa Rica and in addition to this there will be a minimum of 1 UK trained Across the Divide doctor. Full risk assessments and casualty evacuation plans are in place.
Is there a recommended
kit list?
Yes. Please click here to take
you to the kit list.
Are Across the Divide
Atol bonded?
Yes. Our Atol number is 6475.
What standard is the
accommodation?
Accomodation is in comfortable 3 star Costa Rican style hotels. Click here for further details.
Do I have to share a
tent and room?
Yes. In order to accommodate
rooms must be shared. You can prearrange to share a room with
a friend, just let us know.
What is the route like?
The route is a demanding off road course with difficult terrain.
Can I raise money for
charity?
Yes and we would encourage you to do so. Click here
to view charities that already support the extreme series,
or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.
Can I extend my stay?
If you wish to stay longer then you will need to organise your own flights..
Can I book my own flights?
Yes. If you would like to use our transfers you must fly into San Jose International Airport on either the 2nd or 4th December and depart on the 9th December.
I have my own insurance
policy so do I need to take out your insurance?
Across the Divide
Thorncombe Barn
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP
Please note that we will require section B of the insurance form to be completed if you have taken out your own insurance. Click on the link to complete section B of the insurance form
Kit List
Main luggage bag weighing no more than 20kg
The following lists of equipment are minimum requirements for the 24 hrs. of Costa Rica Adventure Race. Each team must store all their equipment in 1 lockable plastic case (70 gallons each) or 2 cases (35 gallons each). Bike cases are not required during the race and should be left at your hotel.
Personal Gear
Team Gear
First Aid Gear
MANDATORY
During the entire Race
Required:
1. Headlamp
2. Extra Batteries (1 set)
3. Knife (fixed or locking blade)
4. Whistle
5. Rope /Webbing (4m x 6mm)
6. Glow stick (x1)
7. Space Blanket
8. Passport or ID (Copy)
Note: All team members must carry all required gear at all times during the race. A random gear check may occur at any moment during the race.
Required:
1.Race Passport (provided)
2. Race Maps (provided)
3. Race Instructions (Provided)
4. Light source of either penlight or headlamp (in addition to each team members personal light)
5. Water filtration or purification capability (per team)
6
. Waterproof Map Case
7
. Writing Utensil
8
. Compass (2 per team)
9
. Duct tape (4' minimum)
10. Camera (disposable or digital with flash) 11. Cellular phone
Required:
¾" X 4' medical tape
Alcohol Swab (4)
¾" Adhesive Bandages (4)
Mole Skin (3" X 3" min.)
Antibiotic Ointment packet (2)
Oral Pain Reliever (4 adult doses)
Electrolyte Replacement Tablets or powder
2 pair of medical gloves
2 trauma bandages
Steri-strips or butterfly closures (x6 minimum)
Ace bandage
MTB
Required:
1. Mountain Bike
2. Certified Helmet 3. Red Taillight (strobe)
Required:
1. Two Spare Inner tubes
2. Pump or inflation device
3. Patch Kit
4. Tools (Allen wrenches, small pliers, chain cutter and a multi-tool are recommended)
Kayak
Note: 2 person sea kayaks, PFDs, and paddles will be supplied by CtoC (teams may use their own PFDs and paddles)
Ropes
Required:
1. Climbing Harness
2. 2 Locking Carabineers
3. Figure 8 Rappel Device
4. Two slings (18 inches or 45 cm) must be stitched
5. 7 mm prussik sling (18 inches or 45 cm long)
Note: any other necessary equipment will be supplied by CtoC
NOTE: All of the gear mark required will be subject to a random check at any point during the race. Teams found without the proper gear face a time penalty or disqualification.
2008 Itineraries - 6 day or 8 day
6 DAY ITINERARY
4TH DECEMBER 2008 - ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE
Transfer from the airport to our hotel. A short orientation briefing will be given, along with the timings for the next day. Hotel Colonial or similar.
Lunch, Dinner.
5TH DECEMBER 2008 - SAN JOSE - ARENAL VOLCANO
After breakfast we drive out to the Arenal Volcano area - site of this years 24 hour race. You will have the rest of the day to prepare for the race and enjoy the festivities. MTB and hiking in the area are also possible. The always interesting captain’s meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm.
6TH-7TH DECEMBER 2008 - 24 ADVENTURE RACE
An 0900 start gets the teams underway. The top secret stage instructions are given out moments before the start. Breakfast.
8TH DECEMBER 2008 - SAN JOSE AND AWARDS CEREMONY
After a lazy morning around the hotel we head back to San Jose in time to rest up before celebrating your achievements with your team mates and new friends at the awards ceremony. Hotel Arenal Jirah or similar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
9TH DECEMBER 2007 - TRANSER TO SAN JOSE - UK
We transfer to the airport for our return flights to the UK.
8 DAY ITINERARY
2ND DECEMBER 2008 - ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE
Transfer from the airport to our hotel. A short orientation briefing will be given, along with the timings for the next day. Hotel Colonial or similar.
Lunch, Dinner.
3RD DECEMBER 2008 - PACUARE RAFTING TRIP
After breakfast we head to the Pacuare River (3 hr. drive). The first day of rafting is 10 kms in length and gets us to the camp in less than a couple of hours giving us plenty of time to explore the rainforest surrounding the camp. Comfortable tents on wooden platforms are our home for the night.
4TH DECEMBER 2008 - PACUARE RAFTING TRIP
Today's river section is 20kms of calss III-IV rapids. The Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons as we drop into the Caribbean lowlands.
5TH DECEMBER 2008 - PACUARE RIVER- ARENAL VOLCANO
After breakfast we drive out to the Arenal Volcano area - site of this years 24 hour race. You will have the rest of the day to prepare for the race and enjoy the festivities. MTB and hiking in the area are also possible. The always interesting captain’s meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm.
6TH-7TH DECEMBER 2008 - 24 ADVENTURE RACE
An 0900 start gets the teams underway. The top secret stage instructions are given out moments before the start. Breakfast.
8TH DECEMBER 2008 - SAN JOSE AND AWARDS CEREMONY
After a lazy morning around the hotel we head back to San Jose in time to rest up before celebrating your achievements with your team mates and new friends at the awards ceremony. Hotel Arenal Jirah or similar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
9TH DECEMBER 2007 - TRANSER TO SAN JOSE - UK
We transfer to the airport for our return flights to the UK.
Hotel
The hotel in San Jose will be the Colonial or a similar standard hotel.
Hotel Colonial is a perfect host for a restful vacation in cozy surroundings, a restored neocolonial building nearly a century old, located in the National Civic Center, one of the safest places in San José, close to tourist attractions. In this gentle environment, we'll make you feel at home throughout your entire visit.
The Hotel in Arenal will be the Arenal Jirah or similar.
Hotels in la fortuna are abudant but the Arenal Jireh hotel in la fortuna is a cozy place to combine comfort with nature. Be amazed of this fortuna hotel and the great variety of natural resources you can explore on this area; from rainforest, waterfalls, volcanic hot springs and underground caves, to the majestic Arenal Volcano. Arenal Jireh is located only three hours north of San Jose by car. Once in town, you can find the hotel only one block west of the Catholic Church located in the center of the town .
Hotel amenities include:
Air Conditioning
Balcony with Volcano View
Cable TV
Swimming pool
Hot Water
Security Guard
Coffee Marker
Parking Lot
Phone
Tour Desk
Little Freezer
Souvenir Shop
Laundry Service
Hair dryer
There is no accommodation provided during the race.
