Wild Racers - Costa Rica

Costa Rica comprises episodes 13 to 16 of Wild Racers series, that takes viewers on a journey into the ultimate feat of endurance within the Adventure Racing World Series. Episode one lands us on the shores of Puntarenas, Costa Rica a tropical haven with an equatorial climate to welcome our adventurers. For the first time teams will be challenged by extreme humidity and heat, countless hours of paddling massive tidal flows and the challenge of dehydration. All this coupled with no sleep and the relentless pursuit to finish will prove too much for many though there are always those that rise to the top. The Teams – As a warm welcome to the Costa Rican environment we meet the teams as they prepare for the up coming adventure. Acclimatising to the heat is as important as to altitude given the body requires adaptation to race conditions. From the tropical coast to deep within the rainforests the adventure competitors witness first hand what they will face over the coming days. For many it is harder than expected leaving more than some wondering if they have taken on to great a challenge. Registration and Preparations – With a taste of the landscape and climatic conditions the teams receive the all important race maps and logistic details. From here they make crucial decisions that have a bearing on the race overall. Have the right preparations been made, have the teams brought the suitable equipment and have they accounted for the excessive volume of water they will need to carry? Pre-Race and The Start – In preparation for the start all our athletes raring to go get sent on a nervous detour through the town to uncover key clues that will assist them on the journey ahead. Then its go time, anxiety builds and tensions grow …. all that remains is the starters pistol.

The first 24hours of any Adventure Challenge on the World Stage is the toughest, though in debilitating humidity and relentless sun, lead teams push hard to open gaps that they feel will be hard to close down over the coming days. As they say when its go time … suffer and keep suffering. Leg 1 Kayak 8km – Following an early plunge into the ocean, teams hit the water proper with a short and fast 8km Kayak that leads to a now deserted Island Prison. Even though this is a short and early part of the race, lead teams are wasting no time and open up a critical lead. Leg 2 Trek 11km – For many of the international teams a beach landing by kayak is a tricky task, whilst for others it’s like a sprint. Some tricky navigation also gives our adventurers some complex choices that could either save or loose them considerable time. One thing is for certain, the heat is taking its toll already and we have only just begun. Leg 3 Kayak 15km – After a harsh bash trough dry and torrid terrain, heading out to sea once again for a 15km kayak sounds like a reprieve. Though think again as the water only aids in magnifying the suns rays and the strong current running against the teams makes this journey turn on its head. A journey has just become and expedition. Leg 4 Trek 72km – Already dehydrated and suffering mild exposure our teams now face a dramatic 72km trek through Costa Rica’s thick jungle. Almost a double marathon in this depleted state could decimate the field and what seemed like an opportunity to seek shelter from the sun has already got many questioning their early tactics. As they head towards the cooler conditions of nightfall many of our teams are in a battle just to survive.

Heading ever forward and following on from a brutal first day and night of racing our teams emerge from the jungle battered and bruised though in the true spirit of adventure push tirelessly onwards into the abyss. Leg 5 Kayak 43km – The course has taken an early toll as many were not expecting conditions to have such an impact so soon. Our lead teams are seemingly able to suffer beyond normality and have extended their lead against all odds, an epic is unfolding, as the tides are quite literally about to change. Leg 6 Mountain Bike 138km – Ahead is one of the most challenging legs of the journey. A monumental 138km Mountain bike ride over some of the steepest terrain in Costa Rica with searing heat and dust added for good measure. This challenge may be beyond some and what should be a menial task literally becomes a true test of endurance. Leg 7 Mountain Bike 50km – A short transition allows the teams to re-stock crucial supplies and the mountains continue with 50km by bike. Temperatures rise and fatigue sets in fast, some drop by the wayside as others are triumphing out of adversity. Leg 8 Trek 21km – Finally off two wheels with bodies tortured under these impossible conditions the half marathon trek awaits. Pushing hard teams now begin to settle into a rhythm and start fighting for positions with some very surprising results and even more surprising failures.

For those that have accepted the punishment at hand and relaxed under the considerable strain there is some respite at hand. Though racing through crocodile infested rivers and technical nigh time challenges is only for the self-initiated. Please don’t this at home. Leg 9/10/11 Canopy/Climbing/Horseback/Trek/Inner Tube 13km – After such physical duress and relentless racing our teams now face the challenging multi-disciplined leg. Despite the cooler temperatures of the night it is a challenging task to say the least, whilst for those who must endure this during the daylight hours it is almost beyond comprehension. . Leg 13 Mountain Bike 55km – With the field now falling apart under the strain the next 55km Mountain Bike leg has become a test of true human endurance. Teams begin to question their own abilities and turn to modern medicine to simple stay alive. How far can the human body be pushed is a question that beckons’ to be answered. Leg 14 Raft 36km – The best advice you can give to adventurers during this 36km Raft is quite simple stay in the boat. Give the crocodiles that line these shores the slightest chance and the results could be catastrophic. With little current or breeze to speak of and excruciating humidity creates some real challenges so close to the finish. Leg 15 Kayak 86km – Following on from the hard paddle of the raft our teams now face one of the longest kayaks faced by Wild Racers, 86km. As Coats Rica lies between two great oceans the tides play a major role in its waterways. This extreme test may for some seem trivial in relation to the finish line that awaits. Though in the end there are no losers and only winners as to survive such an expedition some say is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This is Wild Racers and many will return next time. Stop number five on the adventure highway is Port Alfred, South Africa … Stay tuned.