Canadian Judith Abbot lengthens lead in women's division, while
overall battle for third heats up at The Coastal Challenge

Flatter terrain and cooler weather made for a faster course on the
third stage of the Coastal Challenge Tuesday morning, allowing for
Judith Abbot (Canada) to lengthen her lead in the women's division.

With a strong finish on day one and taking first place on day two,
Abbot is poised for her first adventure race win.

"It's very exciting to watch Judith take on some of the most
breathtaking, remote and challenging running routes in the world and
come out with the will and ability to endure more," said Race Director
and Event Founder Tim Holmstrom. "Her mental strength is very tough
for her first stage race and we're very excited to see the outcome."

The fight for third place proved to be the highlight of the day Mark
Lattansi (USA) getting off to a quick start and securing a position
ahead  Ty Stevens (USA) battled with Mark Lattansi (USA) to hold onto
third place going into stage four.

"Out of the fog and rain, I saw Ty just before he summited the and I
knew I had enough room to pass him," said Lattansi.

With 400 meters left and Lattansi locked in and determined to pass
Stevens, Stevens made a calculated move to look back and check to see
if he could glide in the last few meters.

"When I saw Mark, I dug deep into my last bit of energy and legged it
out and was fortunate enough to have enough time to withstand his
surge," said Stevens.

After the race, Lattansi remarked he still has two days to take over
third place and possibly more.

Top five men's division finishing times: Javier Montero (CR) 3:08:30,
Cesar Ortega (CR) 3:08:41, Ty Stevens (USA) 3:37:47, Mark Lattanzi
(USA) 3:38:18, Ernesto Jimenez (CR) 4:21:35.

Top five women's division finishing times: Judith Abbot (Canada)
4:19:48, Margaret Phillips (USA) 4:57:56, Stacey Shand (USA) 5:19:48,
Melinda Barbee (CR) 5:51:29, Shannon MacLeod (Canada) 7:38:39.

Canadian Judith Abbot continues to lead women's division after third stage of The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica.
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.