American Ty Stevens overtakes third place, increases lead on day two
of The Coastal Challenge

Despite heavy overnight rains making for tough muddied trails and more
than 12,000 feet of elevation change, Ty Stevens (USA) took a hefty
lead over fourth place runner Victor Zuniga (CRC).

Stevens' training in the Pigah Mountains outside of his hometown in
North Carolina had him well positioned for the multiple hill climbs on
day two of The Coastal Challenge. His trail training through six
inches of snow this past winter was a major factor in keeping his
balance on the trail as well.

"These trails have been some of the most difficult I've experienced
and the 38 miles I traversed today were no exception," remarked
Stevens. "Sometimes you don't know if you're going to make it through
to day six, but then you're running through rivers one minute and
jungles the next and to me it doesn't get any better than that."

Trailing leader and newcomer Cesar Ortega (CRC) by mere minutes
through checkpoint one, Stevens' continued his adventure trek over one
of Costa Rica's most rugged mountainous ranges along the continental
divide.

New to this type of stage adventure race, Stevens' competitive
background consists of several marathons, a few triathlons and a
30-mile ultra marathon. Until stage two, he had yet to run more than
30 miles.

"Pushing myself beyond what I've explored to date was a huge
accomplishment for me today, said Stevens. "Costa Rica has been the
perfect setting for my first multi-day event."

Leading the women's division through stage two and breaking into the
top five overall, Canadian Judith Abbot overtook day one leader
Margaret Phillips (USA) prior to checkpoint one. Showing no signs of
fatigue, Abbot is fast becoming favored to win the overall women's
division.

"This is the most challenging race I've competed in," said Abbot.
"Even though it's a tough race, I look around at the volcanos, hills
and lakes and realize I'm in Costa Rica having a wonderful time."

The sense of camaraderie within the adventure racing community is very
apparent at The Coastal Challenge.

"We had a moment," said Stevens. "Halfway through the first river
crossing I was going down and Cesar immediately grabbed my pack and
kept me from the drink. It really spoke to me about the local Tico
culture and the type of person running the Challenge."

Two steps later, Stevens helped Ortega who took the misstep this time.

"It's just that type of community and I would have done it for anyone
of the racers," finished Stevens.

Top five overall times for stage two of The Coastal Challenge: Cesar
Ortega (CRC) 6:27:08, Javier Montero (CRC) 6:38:03, Ty Stevens (USA)
7:33:33, Mark Lattansi (USA) 8:45:40 and Judith Abbot (CANADA)
9:02:25.

American adventure runner Ty Stevens battles up Costa Rica's continental divide on in the early morning of day two of The Coastal Challenge.
Photo: J. Andres Vargas

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.