Thousands to participate in 8th Annual Beach Marathon in Tamarindo tomorrow

(Courtesy Photo)

By Tamarindo Community Reporter, Liisa Vexler

September 19th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) At 5 am on Saturday September 20^th, with fireworks overhead, thousands of runners, including some elite international athletes, will set out from a start line in front of the Hotel Diria in Tamarindo to tackle the 8^th annual 42.2 k marathon course, the 30k course and half-marathon. Throughout the morning, more runners will set out on their 10k and 5k races.

The event website estimates 4,500 runners and 8,000 spectators will be in attendance.

Businesses in the community are preparing for an influx of people, and hopefully an accompanying boost in revenue.

Cristina Mitchell, owner of Pizza & Co located in Plaza Conchal in the heart of Tamarindo is expecting a banner weekend if last year’s sales are any indication. “We had a great weekend last year,” says Mitchell. “This year we expect double the traffic for sure.”

In addition to their usual fare of pizza and homemade desserts, while supplies last, Mitchell will be offering a pasta dish to satisfy all the carb-loading runners. Mitchell believes that the marathon weekend helps carry their business through the low tourist season in Tamarindo.

To satisfy runners with a sweet tooth looking for their fix of carbohydrates on Friday evening, Coffee and Waffles by the beach will be open later than usual, until 8 pm, and then will open again early on Saturday morning, offering their signature coffee, waffles, full menu, and chicken salad sandwiches.

Hotels, hostels and vacation rentals all expect to be close to full capacity this weekend as well. Higher Ground Hostel located in the building above Super Compro is predicting no vacancy. Their rooftop bar is also primed for a party with local band Glass Eye playing Friday night and two DJs booked for Saturday evening.

Finally, health and parahealth professionals are gearing up to treat the athletes’ sore muscles and injuries. Licensed massage therapist Margaret Schaffner plans to set up her massage table in front of Arenas from 7 am to 12:30 pm, offering treatment to athletes at $1 a minute.

With the temperature likely climbing to between 32C and 35C before the end of the event, organizers urge participants and spectators to take precautions against heat stroke. Preventative suggestions include hydrating with 500 ml of liquid per hour, wearing sunblock, donning a hat and light-colored clothing, and avoiding alcohol or excess caffeine.

More information about the Tamarindo Beach Marathon can be found on their website at http://www.tamarindobeachmarathon.com.

Liisa Vexler

Liisa Vexler is the author of The Family Freedom Project: A Step-By-Step Guide to Living Abroad with Kids. From Dream to Plan to Reality.

On their honeymoon, Liisa and her husband fell in love with Costa Rica. They designed their lifestyles so it could eventually become their home. She now speaks and writes about their experience in addition to managing her busy medical writing business.

Liisa lives with her husband and two sons in Tamarindo where she is currently working on her second book. Connect with her on Twitter, on Facebook, or on Google+.