The second edition of Chepecorre will run this Sunday starting at 5:30 a.m. for the 21-kilometer race, and at 6 a.m. for those running 10k and 5k. We analyze each of the courses so you have a better idea of what you'll be facing.

We start with the 21k. The elevation profile of the half-marathon course looks like an electrocardiogram, with peaks up and down throughout the entire route. Don't worry, San José, as we already know, is not flat at all, but it also doesn't have overly steep climbs or descents. The key in this race will be maintaining a steady intensity despite the constant pace changes you'll inevitably have to make.

Ignoring the small climbs and descents, you could say that from kilometer 6 to 14 is the most favorable section of the race (from northern San José to La Sabana), as you descend 79 vertical meters over those kilometers. The bad part is that you have to return to the starting point and from kilometer 14 to the finish, climbs predominate.

In the case of the 10k, the elevation profile is less challenging. It always includes climbs and descents throughout the route but less pronounced. The first 4k are relatively flat, from kilometer 4 to 6 you have to overcome the main climb, and then from kilometer 6 to the finish it's mostly downhill, which will favor a strong finish (click the image to see the route in detail).

In the case of the 5k, there are a couple of ups and downs in the first 2k and then a slight climb begins until kilometer 4.5. The last 500 meters are downhill (woohoo!).

Remember that packet pickup will be Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at Hotel Nuevo Balmoral, on Avenida Central, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.