North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica at Hacienda Guachipelin in May 2017

The fifth annual North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica ultra-trail running endurance race returns to Rincon de la Vieja in May.

The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica returns for its fifth year to Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin in Guanacaste, Costa Rica on May 27, 2017.

Hundreds of runners from all over the world will compete in the intense ultra-trail running endurance race sponsored by The North Face on Saturday, May 27, 2017. There will be four individual competitor races of 10 km, 21 km, 50 km and 80 km, allowing for beginning trail runners up to expert ultra runners, all starting from race headquarters at Hacienda Guachipelin.

Demanding trails cover challenging terrain through beautiful scenery around Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, one of six active volcanoes in Costa Rica and the largest in the northwest province of Guanacaste. Routes cover altitudes between 850 feet and 3,280 feet (260-1,000 meters), depending on the race length. Aid stations will be set up along the way.

Registration for The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica closes April 30. There will be a pre-run to learn the race route on May 13, open only to the first 100 persons who sign up at [email protected].

The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica is part of the International Race Series organized by The North Face. The U.S. outdoor clothing and gear company promotes mountain sports in nature that are safe, responsible, and with minimum impact.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica has become a hot spot for international adventure races. For the first time, the famous Ironman Triathlon will be held in Costa Rica in June 2017 at Playas del Coco beach in Guanacaste. This year’s annual 100-mile, or 160 km, mountain bike race 160K Rincon de la Vieja, which circumnavigates the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in three race lengths, will be held on Aug. 26, 2017. The 160K Rincon de la Vieja also is based at eco-adventure hotel Hacienda Guachipelin – known for being a top place for adventure tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Located next to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hacienda Guachipelin is close to Guanacaste’s main city of Liberia, with easy access from the Liberia International Airport.

Article by Shannon Farley