American Ty Stevens takes risk, second place on fourth day of The Coastal Challenge

American Ty Stevens came into his first multi-day stage adventure race looking to finish with a decent time. After taking second on day four of The Coastal Challenge, he now finds himself in competition for second place.

After four days of hills, wind, rain and more hills, Stevens has all but closed the gap between first and second place race leaders Javier Montero (CRC) and Cesar Ortega (CRC).

"I didn't wake up and think I would take second," said Ty Stevens. "Those guys are tough and this was the second hardest stage of the race, but I took a risk and ran alongside Javier the entire race and it paid off."

Javier Montero (CRC) still continues to lead overall and finished the day with a time of 4:30:00.

"Running next to Javier, one of Costa Rica's finest runners, was a huge highlight for me today," remarked Stevens. "Knowing that I'm keeping pace with him is very humbling and really makes me realize how small I am on this course and in this world."

Just before checkpoint two, the wind caught Montero off balance and Stevens gave him a hand to get back on track.

"Nobody knows what you're going through except for the guy next to you," said Stevens.

At checkpoint three, Stevens was struggling to get a cup out for water and Montero waited for him, returning the favor for the balancing act earlier.

Top three men's division finishing times: Javier Montero (CRC) 4:30:00, Ty Stevens (USA) 4:38:47 and Cesar Ortega (CRC) 4:44:34.

Top five women's division finishing times: Margaret Phillips (USA) 6:22:23, Judith Abbot (Canada) 6:52:34 and Stacey Shand (Canada) 6:52:41.

Ty Stevens less than a minute behind Javier Montero 4 kilometers from checkpoint two on day four of The Coastal Challenge. Stevens placed second overall.
Photo Credit: J. Andrés Vargas - Lead Adventure Media

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.