On February 26, 2011, the 23rd International Cross Country Race to Chirripo was held. Chirripo is the highest peak in Costa Rica and it is a once in a life time event for most people who climb this mountain. From the park entrance, at approximately 4,400 feet above sea level, it is an 8-9 hour hike to the base camp at 11,000+ feet followed by another 3-4 hour hike to reach the summit at 12,350 feet above sea level. Most hikers spend the night at base camp and reach the summit the following morning.
For the competitors in the Carerra Chirripo it is a bit different. These runners come from all over the world to challenge themselves and other competitors in this grueling race, and grueling it is. It is a total of 34 km (23 miles). The 17 km uphill is all about your lung capacity and conditioning as the air gets thinner and thinner. The 17 km downhill is all about the punishment on your knees and ankles. The winner of the race makes this brutal journey in approximately 3 hours, 15 minutes. Incredible! Even more incredible is that there has never been winner of this event from outside of Costa Rica.
This year there were 225 participants. This included Monte Azul’s Andy Cardenas. Andy is the head cook at Café Blue. In his spare time, he is also a porter for hikers to Chirripo. Andy will run the visitor’s possessions to the base camp in the morning and then return to Café Blue to cook lunch and dinner for hotel guests that same day.
Monte Azul is very proud to have sponsored Andy this year and are pleased to announce that Andy finished 33rd with a time of 4 hours, 15 minutes.
For more information about this race go to www.carrerachirripo.com. Or if you want to attempt the climb on your own, Monte Azul can arrange a luxury package for you including porter service.
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