--- title: "Tips, details, and everything you need to know for Tamarindo Beach Marathon 2018" published: 2018-09-06 updated: 2026-08-04 source: "https://dev-abp.massivoai.com/en/articles/consejos-detalles-y-todo-lo-que-necesitas-saber-para-tamarindo-beach-marathon-2018" --- # Tips, details, and everything you need to know for Tamarindo Beach Marathon 2018 **Did you know that this year the routes won't be the same as last year? Tamarindo Beach Marathon returns to its origins and upon reaching Villareal (kilometer 4.5) all distances will turn left, toward Huacas, resuming the original courses from the first editions of TBM and, judging by the comments, the route preferred by participants.** Although all of Guanacaste is a spectacle, the straightaway toward Huacas has a particular charm. Additionally, the (now old) route toward the town of 27 de Abril had some endless false flats that left runners exhausted, even more than usual. In the words of Mario Reyes, from the event organizing team, they resumed the original route toward Huacas "because it allows us greater control, order and safety on the course, plus it's flatter and the athletes asked us to return to this route; also, in this 12th edition we wanted to do it to celebrate with the original route". For the 10k, 21k and 30k, the route will be identical to the original (you can see all the maps in detail [**HERE**](../../../Race/detail/353/tamarindo-beach-marathon)). For the 42k, however, there will be an important change. In its first editions the course reached Brasilito, which meant running a series of hills that dampened the spirits of more than one. Now there's a turnaround near the entrance to Reserva Conchal and it goes toward Matapalo, which is flatter and therefore more favorable for marathoners. Even with these changes the route is not free of climbs. Everyone, even the 10k runners, has to go through an uphill shortly after entering Tamarindo airport (kilometer 2.5) of roughly 500 meters long, I'd say moderate, but it's a hill nonetheless and with Guanacaste's heat there's no easy hill. This goes both ways. Except for this obvious climb, everything else is flat or false flat (slight incline hard to perceive). **Important details** **Packet pickup**: will be Thursday (today), from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the Mixcoa Hall of Hotel Tamarindo Diriá. To pick up your packet you only need your ID. If someone else is going to pick up your packet, they must bring a copy of your ID signed and a letter authorizing the person to pick up the packet. **Pasta dinner**: is included for everyone, and will be Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the pool area of Mixcoa Hall, also at Tamarindo Diriá. In the packet you'll receive a wristband required for entry to the pasta dinner. **Corrals**: Participant numbers are organized by color according to distance. Each distance will have a starting corral that you must respect, for greater order and safety for everyone. The corrals will open at 3:40 a.m. **Start times**: 42k, 30k and 21k will all start together at 4:00 a.m. sharp. The 10k will start at 4:30 a.m. Pro tip: Arrive early! There will be lots of people trying to enter at the same time as you and the race starts on time, so it's better to avoid unnecessary stress and arrive at least half an hour before the start. **Start location**: In front of Hotel Tamarindo Diriá. It's recommended to park in the surrounding areas without blocking the street. **Hydration**: VITAL to hydrate at each aid station in TBM. Heat and humidity impact performance (and mood) if not controlled, and the best way is by pouring water on your head and neck, as well as drinking water and electrolyte drink on the course. Pro tip: Arrive well hydrated at the start. This doesn't mean arriving bloated from so much liquid, because that's another huge mistake; it simply means arriving in balance, without thirst, but without being overly full either. There will be a hydration station every 2.5 kilometers, and all stations will have Gatorade (in cups) and water (in bags). Please, out of respect for the environment and the athletes coming behind, do your best effort to deposit the cups and bags in the bins that the organization will place after each hydration station. **Bathrooms**: There will be bathrooms on the course, every 5k or at the turnarounds. As a curious note, you should know that the regulations explicitly state that it is "strictly prohibited to urinate and defecate anywhere within or near the course, except in the restrooms. Any person who violates this rule will be disqualified from the event and asked to withdraw from the course". So you know, no leaving bodily fluids from your intestines or bladder on the street. **Other details:** — Selfie sticks, skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles are not permitted. — The **maximum allowed time** is 15 minutes per kilometer. If you go slower than this you will lose traffic protection and it's possible that medical and aid stations won't be there when you pass by. — To receive your medal **you have to cross the finish line**. It doesn't come in the packet (as some races do) nor will they give it to you if you don't cross the finish line. —** Upon reaching the finish** you will receive: 1 bottle of Gatorade, 1 bottle of water, cookies and fruit. — The organization **will publish official photos** from the event on their Facebook. We'll let you know so you can check the link. Good luck in the race. Remember that beyond a time you're there to enjoy a spectacular route and to share the experience with thousands of other runners. Be happy, good vibes, positive attitude. See you in Tama! A Buen Paso uses [Massivo](https://massivoai.com), the event-registration platform that powers this article.