Javier Montero takes lead on day one of The Coastal Challenge (02:39:02)

Two-time champion Javier Montero of Costa Rica is in position to take
an unprecedented third win after stage one of The Coastal Challenge, a
six-day adventure race in Costa Rica.

While un-matched in the previous two races, Montero will have his
toughest challenge yet with newcomer and local Costa Rican Cesar
Ortega. Ortega trailed Montero by less than three minutes by the end
of the stage with a finishing time of 02:41:45.

Rounding out the top five finishers of stage one are Ty Stevens (USA),
Victor Zuniga (CRC) and Mark Lattansi (USA) with finishing times of
03:02:00, 03:14:10 and 03:14:32, respectively.

Margaret Phillips (USA) lead the women’s division with a finish time
of 04:01:42.

About The Coastal Challenge (Route of Fire) – January 31 – February 6, 2010

Runners from around the world cover approximately 200 kilometers of
exotic and wild Costa Rican mountainous regions and rugged coastline.
For six days, runners embrace the spirit of adventure, discovery and
camaraderie within a long distance running competition while
navigating wide river crossings, rainforests, jungles, windswept
highlands, beaches and rock outcroppings. It is an expedition run of
epic proportions introducing competitors to the hospitality of the
local Tico culture while pushing the limits of their will and
endurance.