Race Details

Backdrop

Bocas del Toro, Panama includes an archipelago of 68 islands which are excellent for beach combing, fishing, snorkeling and surfing.

The islands of the archipelago are located in the extreme western part of Panama, only 25 miles from Costa Rica and the area possesses a rich and diverse ethnic mix which is reflected in its traditions, food and the indigenous people.

The province includes two national parks, a variety of beaches, islands, lakes and rivers, one archipelago, and several banana towns.

It  is one of the most biologically diverse areas of Panama and Central America and includes a world heritage site, two national parks and two protected cloud forests. The protected areas consists of 1.4 million contiguous acres, extending from the continental divide to the Caribbean Sea, covering all five altitudinal zones known to the tropics.

Details

In the course of 4 days you’ll explore 6 islands, race on 3 islands, travel by boat from island to island, overnight at a beach camp that you reach by Catamaran after a sunset tour and we’re told it’s not uncommon for dolphins to keep the ship company for awhile. You’ll have opportunities to see a great deal of marine life whether snorkeling or scuba diving and you will get to experience the rich flavors and enjoyable blend of Panamanian island food and laid back hospitality.

One cool feature of this event is that it is opens up the possibilities for couples or friends or groups who want to travel together even though some may not be runners. The runs are short enough that if you come down with  someone who just wants to support you or just wants to relax they'll be able to enjoy every other aspect of the event itinerary and chill out for a couple of hours at remote beach areas and beautiful locales near the finish line each day, even though they are not coming to race.

Itinerary

• Pre Race/Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica by (Tuesday April 12, 2011)
• Day 1/Arrive in Bocas and Welcome reception (Wednesday April 13, 2011)
• Day 2/Race Stage 1 on Colon Island (18K)  (Thursday April 14, 2011)
  (We are considering an endurance category on Stage 1 where you will reach the finish and do the route in reverse for 36k)
• Day 3/Race Stage 2 on Bastimentos Island (21K)  (Friday April 15, 2011)
• Day 4/Race Stage 3 on San Cristobal Island (10 K) FINISH
• A final farewell lunch and awards ceremony at Bocas del Drago. 12 - 2 PM. Event Ends (Saturday April 16, 2011)
  (also see post-race tour options below)

Fly into San Jose, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria International Airport  (SJO). Send us your flight itinerary ASAP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any additional general travel questions.

If you have any questions about additional nights at Best Western Irazu Hotel please Contact: Carolina Arias, Tel: 011- 506- 2290- 9300 ext. 2805, Fax: 011-506 2520- 2487 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Detailed Event Itinerary

Day 1: Check-in Bocas del Toro (April 13, 2011)

Wednesday - Upon Arrival to Bocas del Toro - Panamá, you’ll be transported by a short boat ride to the western coast of Colon Island. You’ll go to the registration desk at host Lodge in Bocas Del Drago, where you’ll be given your race packets. Check in and enjoy exploring the amazingly beautiful peninsula of Bocas Del Drago or if you arrive early feel free to head into to Bocas del Toro Town by cab. That evening we will welcome everyone at a reception dinner and the official opening of the event.

Day 2: stage 1 (18km) - Colon Island (April 14, 2011)

Thursday - In 1502 Christopher Columbus came to this Archipelago on his 4th and last journey to the New World and stepped upon the shores of some of these uninhabited islands. You’ll begin your adventure much the same way by exploring the main island by foot. The race starts at the trail head off the main road that shoots straight into the jungle. You will almost immediately come upon an indigenous community known as El Tigre (The Tiger) You’ll continue on this narrow single track jungle trail straight through the village and continue until you cross the entire island and reach the eastern shore with its deserted coastline and natural pools of crystal blue water. Beach coast, bush walking and giant reef cliffs and caves await you for the rest of the route.

Stage 1 ends right back at Bocas del Drago. The first day’s race is over but the adventure is just beginning. Lunch will be waiting here and we’ll spend some time relaxing for a bit in this beautiful island oasis before gathering what we need for an overnight excursion to Bastimentos Island. You´ll prepare a light pack with only the things you’ll need to camp overnight and race again the next morning. In the afternoon we will take a Catamaran to the breathtaking beauty of Zapatillo Island for an afternoon sunset tour. Afterwards we’ll head to Al Natural Resort: http://www.alnaturalresort.com , and eco resort on the eastern shores of Bastimentos Island where you´ll spend another peaceful night in this remote corner of the world. You’ll drift off to sleep within a bungalow in a bed or hammock if you choose and awake to another day of adventure.

Day 3: Stage 2 (21km) - Bastimentos Island (April 15, 2011)

Friday - After a light breakfast you’ll be begin your next race just a few feet from where you stepped onto shore. Heading out through the jungle on small hills that lead you to “Long Beach” in Bastimentos National Park. This will be a long meandering run, allowing you to explore and really soak in one of the most treasured beaches within this amazing coastal paradise.

Before crossing some of these breathtaking areas such as Red Frog beach, take a look around. (a beach that got its name thanks to a small, red poison arrow frog which inhabits the far end of thebeach.) In fact, these frogs are only found here, and more specifically, on a small hill that rests at the far end of the beach. It is almost impossible to miss them, as they are walking all over the place. It’s a very Darwinian experience. Reminder: don’t stop to touch the red poison arrow frogs ;)

You will then again be entering the forest and soon come across the really small but typical town ofBastimentos and see firsthand the slow and laid back island lifestyle that exists in this part of the world.

At the end of Stage 2 you´ll be picked up by boat and transported to Solare Island, where you´ll able to practice snorkeling or scuba diving in one of the most amazing areas in Panamá for scuba diving (for those who are certified. Please let us know in advance) or snorkeling. Here you’ll encounter some the most diverse marine life in all of Central America: dozens of different types of corals, sponges and reef fish and much more. Topside, you’ll be lounging on deck in one of the most beautiful spots in the archipelago.

We end the day by traveling back once again Bocas del Drago and your host hotel. You’ll be able to wash up, rest and prepare for a dinner that includes a cultural presentation. Then it’s time to experience the nightlife of Bocas Town as you wish… OR those who may wish to forgo the nightlife have a special option available to them. A quiet stay at Caracol Aqua Resort, (photo link here) an extraordinary lodging experience right off shore of an inaccessible and remote area of island with a small cluster of stilt frame lodges. Check out the lodging page. This is an incredible and stunning location for an overnight stay.

There is VERY limited availability/space.. It’s first come, first served and additional $200 fee will apply when registering.

Day 4: Stage 3 (8km) - San Cristobal Island (April 16, 2011)

Saturday - The final stage is a very fast fun run on the third island you’ll be racing on and the 6th island you’ll be stepping foot on during TCC Island Run. San Cristobal is large but undeveloped island where cocoa beans are harvested and left to dry on corrugated tin by local farmers. The community of San Cristobel town receives few guests but it’s residents are very welcoming and full of curious and smiling children because this is where the island’s schools are situated. The final day’s race will be a circuit that takes you through town, past cocoa fields and up to a very high vantage point above the village before heading back down again.

And finally, after a weekend of exploration, adventure and camaraderie, there will be a farewell awards ceremony celebrating everyone’s achievements at this year’s TCC Panama: Island Run.

“Post-race tour opportunity also available." If you have more time after the race consider seeing some other equally amazing parts of Panama with our guided tour. Take a look at the itinerary below and contact us for prices:

At a glance POST-RACE TOURS itinerary:

• Day 5/Departure to Panama City and check in at official hotel (Sunday April 16, 2011)
• Day 6/ Day at the Embera Village with Embera Indigenous tribal culture (Monday April 17, 2011)
• Day 7/Trip to Panama Canal and check out from hotel. Tuesday April 18, 2011)

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in prices and availability for our a post-race tours.

We have a short tour below and a long tour to the San Blas to sail among the islands and the Kuna Yala tribe. (both require at least 6 people to book)

Route

Registration

Registration price is $1549.00 (all inclusive)

What’s Included :

• R/T regional flight through Nature Air to Bocas de Toro, Panama from San Jose, CR.
  (Limited scheduled flights/availability. book early as possible!)
• 3 nights lodging in Panama during race and pre-race one night
  (April 12th in San Jose at Best Western)
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 Dinners
• 3 days of adventure and exploring islands and indigenous communities
• 3 stages of running in wild places on 3 different islands
• Island tours by boat or catamaran plus kayak or snorkeling tours.  
• Transportation by boat to the start lines and back to town  
• Aid Stations (Fresh Fruit and Bottled Water,  Electrolyte Drink, Sodas)
• The Official TCC Panama Island Run T-Shirt  
• Finishers Award   
• Closing party (food and refreshments)

Optional Payment Plan

Initial deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a spot. (ends October 1st and then only full registration fee is required)

Payment options

• Online using a credit card with Active.com
• Check Payment (no service fee)
• Travel Insurance Option

Refund Policy

• All registration fees are 100% refundable until September 30
• All registration fees are 25% refundable from October 1 – February 1

NO REFUNDS of any kind after February 1st

What’s Included :

• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 Dinners
• 3 days of adventure and exploring islands and indigenous communities
• 3 stages of running in wild places on 3 different islands
• Island tours by boat or catamaran plus kayak or snorkeling tours.  
• Transportation by boat to the start lines and back to town  
• Aid Stations (Fresh Fruit and Bottled Water,  Electrolyte Drink, Sodas)
• The Official TCC Panama Island Run T-Shirt  
• Finishers Award   
• Closing party (food and refreshments)

Travel Details

Getting to Bocas del Toro

At a Glance:

This year we are recommending travel through Costa Rica to get to Bocas Del Toro. If anyone is interested in going via Panama City, Panama it’s a great city and we can provide you with suggestions and local contacts who can assist you with flights/accommodations while there.

First, plan your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)

Itinerary:

• April 12th/Tuesday- Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
• April 13th/Wedneday AM - Fly to Bocas del Toro
  (1 hour direct flight leaves San Jose at 11:00 AM)
• April 14-16th - Race
• April 16th/Saturday PM - Closing Cermony and Awards. Event ends
• April 17th/Sunday PM - Return to San Jose, Costa Rica
  (1 hour direct flight leaves Bocas at 1:30 PM)
• Arrival time in San Jose is 1:30 due to time difference
  You should still be able to make some international connecting flights if necessary.

After Arranging your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) please end us your flight itinerary ASAP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any additional general travel questions.

If you have any questions about additional nights at Best Western Irazue Hotel please Contact: Carolina Arias, Tel: 011- 506- 2290- 9300 ext. 2805, Fax: 011-506 2520- 2487 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Other important information for local flights: Please present yourself one hour before departure at the check-in desk with your passport. Please note that all local flights have a maximal luggage allowance of 25 pounds (12 kg). Excess luggage is subject to space on the aircraft and costs USD 1.00 per pound.

Event Contacts

Have questions? Give us a call at (203) 353-1608

• General Information
  
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• Media Relations
  
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• Registration
  
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• Tim Holmstrom, Event Director/Race Director
  
  Tim Holmstrom has been producing and staging events in Costa Rica for 5 years. As a photojournalist Tim has been covering adventure racing and multi-sport events for over 12 years. He has witnessed the tremendous growth and steady evolution of these races while gathering a vast library of images for magazines, corporate sponsors and race organizations.
  
  For Tim, TCC Panama, Island Run represents an exciting new opportunity to share the captivating beauty of this country  with a broader community of runners and those interested in adventure travel opportunities.  There is so much potential for creating a wide array of unforgettable adventures in this nation.  There are so very few places left in the world to see and walk among indigenous people living lives not unlike the way they lived a century  ago.  The Embera and Kuna Indians of Panama still carry on their traditional way of life, even in the face of encroaching modern society and visitors from the outside world.  Add that to the fact that it is a  country with more islands than any other nation in the world and our competitors will soon see that Bocas del Toro is just the beginning.
  
  The new race and format is a part of a natural progression and evolution of attempting to open up these types of events for more and more individuals to enjoy and participate.
  
  
• Sergio Sánchez, Logistics Director/co Race Director
  
  As a industrial engineering specialized in operation management, he’s been working in logistics in the Coastal Challenge since the beginning, developing a fluid and efficient event. He also has being working in other important events (like mountain bike race and adventure races) such as the Trio Adventure Challenge 2005, Costa Rica Solo Adventure Race 2006, Rios Tropicales Challenge 2005-2006-2007, Guanaride 2007, The Coastal Challenge 2005-2006-2007-2008, among others.
  
  He’s been training since five years old, and competing since ten. He participated on the Costa Rican swimming and triathlon national team, but now it’s all about making hardcore races in Costa Rica and in other countries.
  
  As he said, “it’s all and excuse to be with the nature, and to keep it as sacred as it is, by showing it to the people all around the world and to make them know how sacred it is”.
  
  
• Andres Vargas: Photographer & Media Director
  
  Andres, born in Costa Rica and pampered by the mountains of the Northern Territories, started eating mud before reaching age 1, his cry was heard by Mother Nature before he was able to distinguish her call. And now, after many years of walking barefoot over robust grasslands, feeling the fresh mud slide between his toes, waking to the call of his relatives herding cows and baking bread with the mist of the waking sun, his urge to return to those mountains which saw him grow tall and wiry-haired embraces him and his now inseparable friend, the one that shows the rest what he sees when alone atop the hills smiling goodbye to the sun and greeting the moon, the love of his life.
  
  Andres has been involved in Adventure Racing for several years, his interest in the wild does not solely rest in relaxing on a treetop or lying along the river next to his dog Nisha, but it strives for the cultural encounter, the unforgettable adventure and exploration in every expedition.
  
  At The Coastal Challenge Andres finds the opportunity to capture more than just a race, he finds haven in photographing a fast paced culture, one that seeks rests in storming through the forest, climbing mountains and defying the limits of adventure.

FAQ's

Q: Are guests/non runners welcome ?

A: One cool feature of this event is that it is opens up the possibilities for couples or friends or groups who want to travel together even though some may not be runners. The runs are short enough that if you come down with  someone who just wants to support you or just wants to relax they'll be able to enjoy every other aspect of the event itinerary and chill out for a couple of hours at remote beach areas and beautiful locales near the finish line each day, even though they are not coming to race.

Q: Do I need a Visa to enter Panama ?

A: US Citizens need only a valid passport and a tourist card. The tourist card is sold by the airline and costs $5.00. Be sure to purchase one when checking in at the counter; otherwise you'll have to make an additional line in customs to purchase it upon arrival. Other nationalities please consult the airline.

Q: Do I need Yellow Fever and/or Malaria vaccinations ?

A: No.  These diseases have been absent for decades from this area. The  water from the tap is potable.

Q: Is Health Care available in Bocas?

A: There is a hospital and drug-store in Bocas Town.  Panama City is a 45 minute flight away and has excellent health facilities in the unlikely event you find yourself in a medical emergency.

Q: What language is spoken in Panama?

A: There are actually 14 living languages in Panama.  Spanish is the official and most widely used language in Panama.  English is spoken or understood by roughly 15% of the native population, mostly found around the captial city and the Caribbean coast.  The other languages include: Buglere, Chinese, Embera, Epena, Kuna, Ngabere, Creole English, Teribe, and Woun Meu.

Q: Do I need to Speak Spanish to come to Bocas?

A: A simple Spanish phrase book could be helpful when getting around Panama City, but once you've arrived in Bocas, speaking English will work just fine for you.  Bocas is historically an English Speaking area because the original schools were established around 1900 by the United Fruit Company.  The schools continue to emphasize learning English.

Q: Is Panama safe?

A: Panama is considered to be one of the safest countries in Latin America.

Q: What currency is used?

A: The Balboa is the official currency. The Balboa is exactly equal to the U.S. dollar, and the dollar is accepted everywhere in Panama. The Balboa is only used for metal change. It can be difficult to find change for $50 or $100 dollar bills, and I.D. must be shown when spending them.

Q: What kind of food do they have?

A: Typical Panamanian dishes are influenced by its varied ethnic populations: Hispanic, European, Indigenous Indians, Chinese, and North American. Panama City has an excellent variety of restaruants; nearly all international cusines are represented. Some typical dishes include: Patacones (fried smashed plantains), Arroz con Guandu (rice with Pigeon Peas), Ceviche (seafood marinated in lemon juice, with onions, cilantro, and chili), Sancocho (a type of chicken soup), Carimanola (a roll of tropical yucca, fried and stuffed with meat and eggs).

Q: How should I pack ?

A: Remember that if you are traveling on any of the domestic airlines that they have a 25 pound checked baggage limit per person. You can check bags weighing more than 25 pounds however you will pay for the excess weight – at about $.70 per pound.

Life here is casual. Daytime attire should be based on your activities. Nighttime attire is pretty basic – most men wear shorts and a shirt for dinner and the women may wear the same or a casual sun dress. Shirts are required in Bocas town.

Here is a list of things you might want to consider bringing:

Mandatory Packing List/ Gear

• Headlamp
• Hydration System: Water Bottle or Camelback
• Running clothes and camp clothes (1 extra ziplock or small bag or daypack to separate clean and dirty cloths)
• Supplemental electrolyte product or salt tablets.
• All gear , clothing and extra bags should fit into one medium sized duffle or backpack.

Here is a list of things you might want to consider bringing:

• A small daypack
• Second pair of sneakers and flip flops or closed toe sandals for camps and tours.
• Rain jacket – we are in the rain forest and it does rain on occasion
• Sunscreen – you are going to be exposed to the sun quite a bit
• After sun lotion – inevitably you may still get too much sun as we are rather close to the equator
• Bug repellant – if you choose to spend time outside at either dawn or dusk there are two ways to keep the bugs at bay –    use bug repellant or wear light weight long sleeve and long pants
• Water shoes or tennis shoes which can get wet – you are going to want to wear shoes to reach some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and the path may be a bit wet along the way
• Long pants & lightweight long sleeve shirt for jungle hiking
• Lightweight long sleeve shirt for water activities – in case of too much sun
• Hat
• Sunglasses

Have additional questions not seen here ? Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (203) 353-1608.

Lodging

Our host accomodations include:

Beach Cabanas in Bocas del Drago: We will be staying beach side each evening. Your first and third night will be spent in comfortable cabanas in Bocas del Drago just 15 meters from the beach while the 2nd night will be at a waterfront eco resort on Bastimentos island: Al Natural Resort “a natural place in complete harmony with nature” www.alnaturalresort.com For those not interested in the rustic beach experience optional upgraded luxury lodging is available for an additional fee of $150 per  person per night.

If you have any questions regarding lodging please email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Testimonials