The Coastal Challenge: Not Just a Competition
Cala Luna Resort to kick off the event with a true Costa Rican experience

Santa Monica, CA (Nov. 10, 2004) - The Coastal Challenge announced today that The Cala Luna Resort in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica will serve as the “welcome center” to all competitors for the expedition running adventure slated for January of 2005. “As soon as the competitors arrive, they will be engulfed with Costa Rican culture, warmth, hospitality, and their ‘pura vida’ spirit,” said Race Director Tim Holmstrom. “There is no better way to kick off this extraordinary event.”

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, the competitors will be shuttled to the Cala Luna Resort and will perform all the necessary check-in procedures. Following a staff introduction and a short briefing, the competitors will have time to relax over dinner while enjoying performances by local entertainers and being introduced to the hospitality of the local Tica culture.

In this festival atmosphere, competitors will enjoy a window into some of the most time-honored customs and colorful traditions that are so deeply rooted in the cowboy heart of the locals living in the Guanacaste region. Competitors will have the opportunity to attend a Costa Rican rodeo, a beautiful and lively performance in which the local cowboys ride and run with the bulls in La plaza de toros (bullring), demonstrating their roping skills and horsemanship.

Regional artisans will also demonstrate their crafts and production skills, such as the pottery from Guaitil and craftswomen decorating jícaras. The competitors will also be treated to traditional Costa Rican dishes while enjoying native local music and dances.

With the help of the Cala Luna Resort, The Coastal Challenge staff is making the Expedition Run not only a physically challenging competition, but also a rich and authentic Costa Rican experience.

You can check out more information at http://www.thecoastalchallenge.com

"Take on the distance...Take on the elements...Take on the adventure..."

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