Tamarindo Beach Marathon (TBM) is undoubtedly one of the most popular races in the country, but it is also one of the most difficult. After its first edition, which had only 190 athletes, TBM grew like fatigue in a marathon and for this 2015 edition there are already 3850 athletes registered. By the way, there are still registrations available but only for the 10k and marathon distances, and they are only enabled at the fairgrounds within the Tamarindo Diriá hotel.
Last year a new route debuted, and 85% of runners think the new route is more difficult, according to a survey we conducted on A Buen Paso's Facebook. "The new route has much more hills" is what most comments say. What is interesting is that both routes are almost identical in elevation gain, according to satellite data. Speaking of the half marathon, which is the distance with the most participants, the old route has a cumulative elevation gain of 191 meters, compared to 193 of the new one, a negligible difference. The highest point of the old route is 53 meters, and on the new one 56; once again a minimal difference.
In the case of the marathon, even the cumulative climbs are less on the new route (316 meters compared to 331 of the old one). So why does the vast majority feel that the new route is more difficult? Well, it could be that the distribution of the climbs works against runners on the new route, or it could also be that the weather was much more difficult in this last edition and therefore the athletes' perception is that the route is more difficult. We could also question the accuracy of the satellite data, but there is hardly likely to be a significant error in this regard and if there were, it would hardly favor the new route.
Perhaps we can answer some of these questions after this second edition with the new route. The important thing is to keep in mind that, although it is in Guanacaste and is promoted as a very flat route, it is not that much. Most of the course is on "false flats" as they call them, meaning that visually it appears to be flat but the truth is there is a slight slope, almost imperceptible I would say, but the legs definitely feel it. So it's better not to fool yourself mentally and go prepared to face a difficult course, because that's what it is. Nobody runs 10, 21, 30 or 42 kilometers easily at over 30 degrees and with 80% or more humidity; not even the 5k runners escape, because in fact most of the climbs are in the first (and last, because all routes are out and back) 4.4 kilometers between Villarreal and Tamarindo.
There will be hydration stations at kilometers 3, 7, 10, 10.5, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 30, 32, 35, 37, 40 and 41. That is, those running 5k will have 1 hydration station, those running 10k will have two, those running a half marathon will have eight, those running 30k will have 12 and those running a marathon 18. At ALL stations there will be water and sports drink, but only those running 30k and marathon will also have fruit and gels after kilometer 18. It is very important that you plan your hydration well, especially if you run more than 10k. The most recommended is to consume liquids every 10-20 minutes and, for those running a half marathon or more, also consume carbohydrates every 20-30 minutes.
The starts will be without corrals, only the few elites will have their privileges in front of the pack and the rest will be mixed. The 21k, 30k and marathon start at 5:01 a.m. sharp and the 5k and 10k at 5:20 a.m. Arrive with time, especially if you're coming from outside Tamarindo, because the street closes at 4 a.m. and the almost 4000 athletes start to bunch up about half an hour before the start.
Remember that tomorrow Friday you can pick up your packet until 10 p.m. at the fairgrounds, which is inside the Tamarindo Diriá Hotel. The packet comes with the shirt, some Tamarindo Beach Marathon sandals and the chip. There are stations to print your name on the shirt and see sponsor products. The pasta dinner, which is included for all registered participants, will be between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Good luck to everyone heading to Tamarindo, may the race go great for you and, most importantly, enjoy the experience to the fullest.
It's a good idea to analyze the elevation profile and route in detail, here are the links:
