Triathlon: REV3 Costa Rica
When: February, 19-20, 2011
Where: Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Events: Kids Rev, Sprint Rev, Olympic Rev, Half Rev
Divisions: Pro, Age Group, Relay, Kids
Website: costarica.rev3tri.com
This month Revolution3 brings its brand, experience and fans to the exotic country of Costa Rica for its first international triathlon event. The 3-year old company which put on three triathlon events in the United States in 2010 will offer athletes and families a weekend of fun and racing in the Central American country this chilly and snowy winter. The two day REV3 Costa Rica event will have something for everyone with the series of triathlons events being offered; 9-13 aged kid races, a Sprint Rev, an Olympic Rev and a Half Rev. A professional triathlete race will also be part of the event.
The idea for the event arose from an internal suggestion. Why not put on a triathlon event in paradise, in the heart of Central America that has something for everyone. It would be a great way to show off the country of Costa Rica to the triathlon community, expose the locals to the sport and REV3 brand while at the same time benefiting the economy / tourism industry in the region.
At first, Government and Tourism official were skeptical as the event did not involve a popular sport the country is accustomed to like Soccer, Cycling or Adventure racing. In the end after much discussion and assurances, they approved the event. Now it seems that the REV3 Costa Rica triathlon weekend will be one of the largest international events the country has ever hosted. Revolution3 will be working with Unlimited Productions, an event management company, to put on the race.
"It's like a dream come true," states Sylvia Gonzales, Vice President of the Costa Rica Triathlon Federation, "to have an international triathlon of this caliber come into Costa Rica. It's something we've always wanted to do. We will make a beautiful triathlon and everyone will be happy to experience something different."
The mid-winter triathlon event in the warm and exotic location has proved to be very attractive as the three triathlon events all sold out. Why, well the REV3 Costa Rica event offered a great opportunity for triathletes in the Northern Hemisphere a way to escape winter and try out a destination race in paradise. Daily temperatures in the area usually linger around 75° to 80°.
Course:
Over the course of the weekend, triathletes will swim in 80-degree waters in the northwest providence of Guanacaste while spectators will be able to observe and cheer from the white sandy beaches. The bike course will then take the athletes through varying landscapes throughout northern Costa Rica, amid miles of untouched natural forests, mountains and beachfront communities. The run course will begin at the beach, where athletes will run adjacent to the Pacific Ocean before encountering a small "Tico" town filled with cheering locals before turning back to the race venue. Triathletes will surely get to experience the flavors and exotic surrounding Costa Rica has to offer with the carefully designed course.
"The moment I heard REV3 was hosting a triathlon in Costa Rica 2011 I asked them to sign me up, even before I entered any 2010 races! Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful, loving countries in the world. The Ticos are sure to welcome REV3 triathlon with open arms and embrace the triathletes equally as much as the athletes will fall in love with what the country will provide in the way of a challenging, gorgeous course." - Professional triathlete, Bree Wee
Professional Race:
A $30,000 prize purse will be on the line for the professional field traveling to Costa Rica. They will be participating in an Olympic Distance race on Sunday, the same day the Half Rev take place. Here is a brief listing of some of the pro's that will be visiting and participating in Costa Rica:
| Women's Pro Field | Men's Pro Field |
|---|---|
| Bree Wee | Brian Fleischmann |
| Kelly Williamson | Brandon Marsh |
| Amy Marsh | Michael Lovato |
| Kate Major | Matty Reed |
| Amanda Lovato | Chris McDonald |
| Amanda Stevens | Richie Cunningham |
| Hillary Biscay | Romain Guillaume |
| more... | more... |
Schedule of Events:
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| Saturday, February 19th | Kids Rev |
| Sprint Rev | |
| Olympic Rev | |
| Sunday, February 20th | Pro-Athlete Olympic Rev |
| Half Rev |
Live webcam coverage will be available with race day coverage and interviews with
the pro racers. Check the event website for details.
Activities:
Pre and Post race activities for athletes and families are abundant and include: Great Food, Amazing Beaches, Golfing, Sport Fishing, Zipline / Canopy tours, Diving or Snorkeling, Surfing, Volcanoes, Rainforest tours, Exotic Wildlife, Hot Spring Spas and countless other tours.
Revolution3's decision to put on a race in Costa Rica is a plus-plus for the company. Besides bringing a contingency of triathletes and families from North America to the region which should benefit the tourism industry, its a way to show off the brand and experience to new athletes in and around the country. In the end, it might spark new athletes to take up the sport or new events to be established.
Racing in Latin America has always been a great experience, so we can't wait for this new event to take place. We will be traveling with Endurance Sport Travel to work the event and cover the race. If all goes well, we will also have the opportunity to participate on race day. We will bring you coverage and pictures from the race, so stay tuned...
