Expedition · 249 km

The gearbox system

One main bag (max 74 × 51 × 39 cm / 100 L) carries your whole week. You hand it to Rex Cargo each morning at 3:00–3:30 AM and it travels to the next camp — so everything you need on course (hydration, nutrition, sun protection) goes with you. The box itself isn't included — bring your own, or the organization can source one for a fee on request.

Cash & pulperías

Carry small colón bills (₡5,000–10,000; ₡500 ≈ $1). The route passes tiny family shops — a cold soda mid-stage is fast sugar and salt — and there are no banks on course. Get colones at the SJO airport ATM and break them into small notes before the race.

Aid stations

Every runner must carry at least 1 L of hydration. Stations have water, 226ers Hydra Zero, cola, fruit, crackers, pretzels, chocolate and salted chips — but no cups, so bring your own soft flask. The race works hard to keep aid stations as plastic-free as possible. Special dietary needs: supply your own.

Tents & camp comforts

Camp offers 1-, 2- and 4-person tents, assigned by availability — a solo racer may get a 2-person, two may share a 4-person, and companions can share a tent with their racer. Afternoon coffee and a daily foot-care service are included. Massages aren't included, and the official race photography is available to buy.

The return — "the 7th stage"

Day 7 is a water taxi from Ganadito to Sierpe (assume you'll get wet — seal your electronics), then a premium bus to San José. Runners reach the hotel ~3 PM but the gearbox arrives ~7 PM, so keep dry clothes and valuables in a small waterproof bag. Don't book a departing flight before Feb 21.

On your body — the race kit

Six stages of heat and humidity: nothing fully dries overnight. Pack as if every stage starts in yesterday's weather.

• Lightweight, fast-dry shirts and shorts — enough for six stages
• Fresh running socks for every stage — non-negotiable for your feet
• Broken-in trail shoes with real traction (mandatory) — plus a second pair to rotate while one dries
• Cap or visor + polarized sunglasses
• Sport sunscreen SPF 50 and anti-chafe applied before every start
• Buff or light neck gaiter — soak it at every river for free cooling

In your vest — carried every stage

Aid stations carry fruit, water, electrolytes and sodas — but remote sections demand self-reliance between them.

• Running vest with ~1.5–2 L capacity (bladder plus soft flasks is the common setup)
• Electrolyte tabs or powder for refills — sweat rates here surprise everyone
• Race fuel you have practiced with — gels, bars or real food
• Phone in a real waterproof case — not a ziplock bag
• Small cash in colones (~$200 across the week) for sodas and snacks from local vendors
• Trekking poles if you use them — steep climbs and river crossings reward them
• Small whistle and emergency blanket — grams that matter in remote jungle

Your feet — the race within the race

Blisters are the #1 medical issue in multi-day racing (~78% of medical-tent visits at comparable events). The medical team runs daily foot care at camp; this kit keeps you moving between visits.

• Blister kit: tape (practiced on YOUR hotspots), sterile needle, antiseptic, dressings
• Foot lube or anti-chafe for long wet sections
• Test your shoe + sock combo WET in training — river crossings start on Stage 1
• Camp sandals — feet need air the moment you finish
• Night routine: wash, dry thoroughly, air out — every single evening

In your camp bag — the trucks carry it

Your tent is pitched and packed by staff. Heads-up: dish, cutlery and cup are NOT provided at camp — bring your own.

• Dish, cutlery and cup — not provided at camps or aid stations
• Lightweight sleeping bag or liner, sleeping pad and small pillow
• Sleep clothes + fast-dry camp clothes
• Headlamp with spare batteries — race-week alarms ring well before sunrise
• Ear plugs and eye mask — camp wakes early and sleeps social
• Fast-dry towel, wet wipes and toiletries
• Packable umbrella — camp shade and sudden showers
• Dry bags or ziplocs to organize the bag — everything stays humid otherwise
• Recovery extras: dehydrated meals, shakes and favorite snacks to supplement camp meals

Health & admin

Travel/event insurance covering adventure-sports competition and medical insurance with rescue + repatriation are mandatory.

• Passport + printed copies of insurance documents
• Personal meds: painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, stomach remedies
• Insect repellent and lip balm with SPF
• Power bank — camp charging stations exist but get busy
• International roaming or a local eSIM if you want signal where it exists
• Swimwear — rivers, waterfalls and the Pacific are part of the experience