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Costa Rican mountain race promotes development

20.11.2019

An annual cross-country race will be held in February 2020 at the Chirripó National Park in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica. The park is home to Mount Chirripó, the highest peak of the country.

For thirty years, the park has hosted the international cross-country race known among runners for its difficulty. It is the only event to take place in a Costa Rican national park for this many years.  In addition, the Chirripó race was the first of the high mountain competitions in Pérez Zeledón, where other races now take place.

Runners and spectators alike anticipate the annual Chirripó cross-country race, which traverses the national park. The event is restricted to 225 athletes to avoid damaging the environment. The 34 kilometre route navigates diverse climates, muddy and stony terrains, and even reaches up to 3 400 metres.

The race aims to promote outdoor recreation, environmental conservation of the Talamanca Mountains, and communal development in harmony with nature. The event brings national and international media attention to the park, bringing attention to this area.

The race’s environmental theme is, "Protect the water, avoid forest fires”. The event serves as a platform for the regional campaign for the prevention and control of forest fires, which threaten the Chirripó National Park during the dry season.

The cross-country race is also a significant event for the social and economic development of the San Gerardo de Rivas community. It invites tourism to these local communities; many local businesses benefit, especially those providing lodging services, as a result of visitors attending or participating in the race.  

This race is held by the National System of Conservation Areas and the Integral Development of San Gerardo de Rivas de Pérez Zeledón.

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