South Pacific Jungle 
 Running Expedition

Costa Rica

Running by the Jungle to the Pacific 

We are looking for   runners with trail running experience to join us in this adventure. 10th editions

Expedition

Our most challenging event, we are creating a team of 16 runners to join us. We are not looking for super athletes, we are looking for runners with experience in the mountains and who know how to be a good team player.

From the mountain of the dead to the Pacific

Our legs will take us from one of the highest mountains in Costa Rica called El Cerro de la Muerte (The Mountain of Death) to the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific.

We will sleep every night in an amazing new place. The runs will take an average of 7 hours a day including stops to swim in the sea and rivers ponds or talk to people we meet. Every few miles assistant points will be set by our staff to help us get to our destination.

Running Adventures people in a River in Costa Rica

6 days - 8 nights

This is a truly one-of-a-kind vacation opportunity that cannot be found anywhere else. Mountain running was quite difficult, and I strongly advise you to train hard in the weeks coming up to the trip. While the walk was an exciting adventure in and of itself, the crew also included many enjoyable activities before, during, and during the daily journey's rest stops.

160KM Approx.
Technical trails
6 to 8 hours of running per day (including stops)
Food is actually a highlight
1848 USD
Family run accommodations
Not a race – if there’s a waterfall we go for a swim

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO

We are not looking for super athletes, we are looking for runners with experience in the mountains and who know how to be a good team player.

What is this about?

Costa Rica in my homeland, running there is just getting back to childhood.



Yes this is very challenging.

The story behind this trip comes from the questions, is it posible to run to the Pacific from the Cerro de la Muerte?.
Yes it is, but that means we are getting deep into the jungle up to 3500 m and down trough the Quetzales National Park.

Is not about getting there, is about how

We try to run in places were running is the most efficient mean of transportation, and in this expedition this statement is also true.
We will get to places that almost no Costa Ricans had seen, other then local from that particular area.

The trails, 

Terrain varies from clear wide tracks and small village roads to muddy, root-covered, slippery paths in the rainforest, rivers and beaches. The terrain can be very challenging and even more challenging in wet conditions. There are also many stream/river crossings. 

Is this for you?

We are not looking for super athletes, just for trail runners with a mindset to be part of a team.
Helping each other is a big part of this, sometimes we will need to re-group, so the front-runners will find themselves waiting for the slower ones. Remember, this is a team effort that will allow you to see places that only a few have seen.

The people

Costa Rica is a country that decided to abolished it's army more that 70 years ago, a country that started preserving nature way before anyone else.
Meeting the real Costa Rican people is the main goal of this trip, what is behind the Pura Vida! ?

The Coffee

Yes we are here for the coffee, and also for the food, I always say that we are just running to get hungry and this is also true in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica cuisine is based in vegetables, and a Costa Rican breakfast is the best meal a trail runner can have.

Runners reviews

Their experience taking part in this adventure

2011 – 2022

Santa Van

Carl Murray

about 3 years ago

I ran with Pablo and his crew back in January on the South Pacific Jungle adventure, Costa Rica, and it was a trip I will never forget. This trip really is one of a kind and I hope to run with Pablo again in the near future to check out his other trips. If you are thinking of taking on the adventure then be prepared to put in some hard work and you will be rewarded with some spectacular sights in such an beautiful country. Pablo really has crafted an amazing experience here with some unique home stays, an insight in to Costa Rican living, traditional food, jungle trails, refreshing swimming holes and much more. The passion Pablo and his crew have for adventure running is the icing on the cake, and along with meeting a group of like minded strangers, you become one big family and a new set of friends for life. PURA VIDA!!

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Paella
Jody Yoken

Jody Yoken

about 2 years ago

Trip of a life time! Amazing guides, great cohesive group of runners who help each other through the thick of the Costa Rican rain forest (literally!). Best way to see the country and meet its people, all on your own 2 feet (with a lot of help from Pablo!). I was on the Jan 2017 trip and would recommend it 100%. I will definitely be signing up for another Run the World Adventure! See more.

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Paella
Santa Van

Renée Lajoie

about 2 years ago

This was an amazing experience (I did Costa Rica)! We saw places no tourists will ever see. Luncyh stops in the middle of the jungle at a locals house who grow their own food 😋 Fresh coffee from a coffee farm! Then there's Pablo and his crew... bunch of legends I tell you!
I would recommend anyone and everyone to challenge yourself to live such an experience... you owe it to yourself. Best part, you'll make long lasting friendships 😊
One might say it was a "once in a lifetime" experience... heck no!! because I totally plan to experience more adventures with Pablo and his crew! See more

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Bret Lang

Steve Breese

about 3 years ago

I completed the 96.3 mile Costa Rican South Pacific Jungle running expedition this past January. It was truly an amazing experience. Pablo and his team have developed a really unique travel opportunity that is not duplicated anywhere else. The mountain running was very challenging and I recommend that you train hard leading up to the trip. While the trek was a thrilling adventure in itself, the team also peppered in many fun activities before, after, and during rest breaks during daily journeys. Costa Rica is a beautiful country. In the mountains there will be breathtaking views and you are guaranteed to meet friendly locals and eat delicious food along the way. If you are offered the opportunity to join a Run The World Adventure, take it... you will not be disappointed.

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Trail Runner pictures in Spain
Jody

Holly Chase

July 20, 2019

I ran with Pablo and the team for the January 2019 Costa Rica trip. The group dynamic and support was amazing. I could never have imagined or prepared for what we experienced. The week was incredibly difficult (physically and mentally) but because of that also extremely rewarding. Only another 5k...

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Matt

Minna Kaarni 

July 10, 2019

I was with them in Costa Rica expedition in January 2017, great adventure, great running, beautiful nature, we had a super group and Pablo and Cristina were the best hosts ever! Everything was well organised and the trip ended too soon!������ � must get back to sone of their trips sooner or later!

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MINNA

Sven Incog Nito

About 3 years ago

Running Costa Rica was just amazing! Pablo and his team are doing an absolutely perfect job, thanks! Everybody, go for it!

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The itinerary

From the cerro de la muerte to corcovado - 8 to 6 hours of running per day

Expeditioner looking towards the Pacific

Day 1* - Mountain of the Dead

20km (1000↑|2200↓)

First running day, the day before we will sleep in Hotel close to the airport. Day 2 is the first day of running, we will be transfer to the highest mountain pass in Costa Rica. Will start ascending 300m to get to the top of the Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of the Dead – 3450m elevation). In front of us looking unreachable, the Pacific Ocean, we will start descending by the most beautiful high altitude rain cloud tropical forest. Our destination that day is Providencia where a Costa Rican family will make us feel at home.

Group of runners in a waterfall in Costa Rica

Day 2. El Brujo

26km (1900↑|3400↓).

Traversing the Dantas domain. Okay here we are talking about epicness, which requires the best breakfast made by Doña Noire, is going to take us about 8 hours to make the distance, with two stops to meet the people that leaves in the jungle and get some food to help us keep going. The name of our destination? “Piedras Blancas” (White Rocks) We won’t give you more info about it, is better that way.

Beutiful house where runners stay in Drake

Day 3. Making it to the Pacific

40km (The Wizard) (900↑|1100↓)

El Brujo is surrounded by high mountains, is a place where you go if you don’t want to be found, getting out of there requires obviously going up a long trail by the jungle at the top of which spectacular views of the sea await us. At that point there will still be distance to be covered, when we finally make it to the Pacific we all will have a story to tell to our grandkids.

Runners running by the beach in the Pacific

Day 4. Jungle beaches

18km (450↑|450↓).

South, always south! So much effort to get to the sea. We won’t call it a rest day, but at least millage will decrease a bit. We are going to Pablo’s home.

Pacific Ocean from a Beach house

Day 5. Pirate Drake

32 km (1100↑|1150↓).

Francis Drake thought the place we are running by this day was perfect to hide his gigantic treasure, the place is indeed a dense wetland area where people start to establish less that a 100 years ago. Adventure tourist go their by boat, we are no tourist, we will run our way by the jungle.

Hut by river Sierpe

Day 6. Getting to Corcovado

21 km (350↑|350↓).

Corcovado, 3% of worlds biodiversity. This day is going to be a summary of the whole expedition. We will run by reefs, sand, estuaries , we will cross rivers, traverse lonely beaches, single trails, dense forest and waterfalls. This will be our second night in Bahia Drake, time to celebrate.

Frequently asked questions

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The cost includes all accommodation, all transfers (not from airport to hotel or hotel airport) , breakfast, dinners, GPS and tracking devices, local guides and daily luggagge transportation.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED?

It does not include personal travel insurance, lunches and tips for the guides. It also does not include any entrance fees to any optional sites or attractions. We strongly recommend you carry a credit card in case of personal emergency.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL I GET?


Costa Rican cuisine is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fish is always the best option every time we sleep by the see, please do not expect as much variety as you would have access to at home. We will be in rural areas and among people of a different culture who may not understand your requirements, however willing they are to help.

If you know there are plenty of foods you cannot eat you may wish to bring extra snacks from home so you can top up your energy supply. Being vegetarian or having other dietary requirements is not usually a problem as far as you let us know well in advance. You are welcome to bring your own energetics bars, if you are used to them or feel you would need them. We will have fruits available in different points while running.

According with our experience some of the participants in last years editions have experimented some lingering GI (tummy) symptoms on the last days, nothing important, (just to let you know and be prepared for that).

Adventure Runner going by the forest

CAN I BRING AS MUCH LUGGAGE AS I WANT?

Your luggage will be kept in the  bus and moved every day from place to place by the driver together with extra food and water. The space is very limited for each of us. Hard-sided luggage is not allowed. We suggest your kit is packed in a soft rucksack or expedition kitbag. You should also bring a small day pack to carry for items needed for a day, there are two days in which because of the remoteness of the location that's all we will be able to get you at the end of the run.

WHAT’S THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

Be aware some days we will be pretty isolated, so we don’t really have a big variety of accommodations to choose. We love little places run by locals and together with home made food will make you feel like home. As they are so little, we don’t have the option for single rooms. Basically we have double rooms and a particular day it could be even triples or quadruples.

Runners in the jungle in Costa Rica

I’M A SINGLE RUNNER, IS THERE AN UP-CHARGE?

Yes, our prices are based in double – triple occupancy room. In case of singles, there’s a 50 euros/night supplement.

 

The adventure

 

Running guides in a waterfall in Costa Rica

 WHAT TYPE OF TERRAIN CAN I EXPECT?

Terrain varies from clear wide tracks and small village roads to muddy, root-covered, slippery paths in the rainforest, rivers and beaches. The terrain can be very challenging and even more challenging in wet conditions. There are also many stream/river crossings. Your trainers will get wet mostly every day.

WHICH KIND OF CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

We are travelling through remote terrain where we will be exposed to any insects and animals. Long sleeves to cover your arms (those you can put and take off) are strongly recommended. Please pack tons of sunblock, bug spray and anti-histamine. Once in destination every day, you don’t need any fancy clothes at all!  flip flops, shorts and t-shirts will make it. Makes no sense at all long trousers or sweaters. Take just one long t-shirt which can be need a particular day in the morning. Don’t forget a pair of swimming costume, sun glasses if you need them and your camelbak. Also bring your own shampoo.

Plan on being wet 100% of the time.

Try and make sure you have practice running wet, especially in wet shoes. Your favorite trainers might not be your favorite WET trainers. Bring at least 15 pairs of socks and also trail shoes for sure (two pairs).

Have a waterproof case for your phone and other water sensitive things. We expected you to SWIM at any given time on any given day. so you must expect that everything on you will be fully underwater for periods of time. You have to be mentally and physically prepared to jump in fully clothed and strapped.

Bring ziplock bags to separate the wet clothes in case your clothEs won't get dry during the day.

BODYCARE

Everyone should have blister plasters, and a first aid kit with antiseptic cream, scissors, dressings if you want to have your own for any cures at the hotel.
Nappy cream is very important or sudocrem as it's known in the UK for chafing/skin irritation.

ENERGETIC FOOD AND OTHERS

Several times a day we will provide you food, water and snacks. Everyone should be responsable of its own energetic bars and gels.
Pack electrolyte tablets which are very good and easy to use. Don’t forget salt tablets at all. Protein recovery powder to have at the end of each day can help a lot with recovery too.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?

It’s hot, yes!, in a very tropical way, but also expect to get wet every day, if not in waterfalls, then rivers or the sea. Night it’s also hot.

Woman by a waterfall

IS THERE A MINIMUM FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED IN ORDER TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE?

Training for the challenge is all part of the preparation and require commitment. We expect all participants to train hard in advance.

Again and again we remind you this is not a race.

Two guides will be running with you, but for safety reasons, we all should try to be in the same group. If not, then sometimes we will need to re-group, so the front-runners will find themselves waiting for the slower ones. Please relax, and remember that this is a team effort that will let you discover a beautiful country as very, very, very! few people has.

DO WE START THE ADVENTURE ON DAY 1?

No, during day participants arrive in San Jose. Doesn't matter the time but all have to check in the hotel. We will have meet-and-greet dinner all together where you will get to know Pablo ant he rest of the guides. After that a briefing session will take place before going to rest. Next morning we depart early in the morning with the van to the starting point. Once here we start our running adventure. Still we wont start travelling till day 2, we can not accept flights arriving day 2 early in the morning.

TIPPING

We encourage you to tip your guides if you feel you have received excellent service and have had an enjoyable trip. A typical gratuity usually around 2% of your trip price per guide, depending on your level of satisfaction. e.g. $1500 trip = $30 per guide.

The Country

Congo Monkeys in trees in Costa Rica

THE CURRENCY

The official currency in Costa Rica it's the Costa Rica Colon (about 500 colones per 1 USD)

Dollars are easy accepted in hotels, but we recommend you to have cash in colones for your little shoppings at the villages. Try to exchange them in the airpot, thats the easiest way. Aside from meals, there are no required additional expenses for this trip, but you might like to take cash for such things as souvenir shopping or nightlife.

PASSPORT & VISA

A valid passport is essential; it should be a valid for at least six months after return from Costa Rica. There’s is currently no visa requirement for USA or European citizens (remember to fill in the ESTA form if you fly via United States).
Citizens from other countries could require a visa. For more information, please contact your local embassy or passport office.

Runner walking by the jungle

VACCINATIONS

(Other than Covid related) We only need you to have had a Tetanus injection in the last ten years. Other protections, against Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid and Malaria are not prevalent in the region, it’s your decision if you want to take the vaccine.

Contact Pablo and Cristina

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Pablo and Cristina Moret, running guides

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