The 10 Miles of Cartago will be the first challenge of the year for many runners. Neither a 10k nor a half marathon, the 16k distance is at a midpoint and you need to know how to pace it intelligently or risk burning out before the finish.

The race will start from Cartago at 6 a.m., which means it will begin with cold temperatures around 16-17 degrees Celsius according to data from the National Meteorological Institute. During the first 9 kilometers the course is mostly downhill, but gently, alternating with flat sections and only a few short climbs. From kilometer 9.5 to 13.5 comes the steep descent of the route: 260 meters of net elevation loss in just four kilometers. It's the big descent toward Orosi, on a winding street with a great view of the Orosi Valley.

Finally the route ends with 2.5 kilometers that are practically flat until the finish. Everyone controls their own pace and strategies, but sound advice is to avoid a very fast start. The race is almost 100% downhill, some sections gentle and others steeper, but that's no reason to go all out from the beginning. The descent is what hits your legs the hardest—muscles, joints, and bones all suffer greatly with each impact, and you don't want to be "legless" when you reach the big descent between kilometers 9.5 and 13.5.

Also, it's 16 kilometers, not 10, in case you're used to that shorter distance. There will be a hydration station every three kilometers, and the station at kilometer 9 will have sports drink in addition to water. Packet pickup will be Friday, January 15 at Fortia Sports store in Cartago, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Saturday, January 16 at the Brooks store in Curridabat, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, 325 athletes will run this Sunday in the first edition of the 10 Miles. We wish you the best—stay warm before 6 a.m. and have a happy descent to Orosi.

You can see the map in detail HERE.