The Fourth Annual Tamarindo Beach Marathon

Online, August 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The Fourth edition of the annual IBP Tamarindo Beach Marathon is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Tamarindo Diria resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. There are 4 runs scheduled at this year's event: the marathon, half marathon, 10K race, 5k race and a free kid's race.

The Tamarindo Beach Marathon has become an international certified race where local and international athletes can compete in one of the most beautiful settings. Choosing Tamarindo as the course for the marathon gives the small communities a chance to participate and enjoy the company of people around the globe. The marathon engages the communities to participate and become active and live a healthy lifestyle. Also, by showcasing the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, organizers have created an excitement for international athletes to return and become yearly competitors.

The event was first held in 2007, and was sponsored by The Cuscatlán Bank. It attracted a gathering of over 220 runners of both sexes. The winner of the men's race was a Costa Rican -- Javier Montero, who finished in 2:55:29. The distaff title was claimed by Ana Luisa Barrantes in a time of 3:54:24. In 2008, the Marathon was won by a Kenyan - Bernard Zongoka, who breasted the tape in 2:36:00. On the women's side, Sonia Rojas from Puerto Rico registered a time of 3:28:16.

In 2009, the event had a different look with more races being held. A marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 30K, and kids run were scheduled to include even more participants at this celebration of running. The winner of the men's division was Bernard Kimwetich Sangoka who was timed in 2:37:16, while the women's race was topped by Sonia Rojas Romero in 3:32:29.

There are runners coming from all over the world again this year to compete in the Marathon race at the beautiful Costa Rica Beach Resort. It has gained a reputation for both its scenic beauty as well as a demanding course, featuring a 100% asphalt trail traversing its entire length. The start and finish lines are located in downtown Tamarindo, with runners passing through the adjacent towns of Villareal, Matapalo, Huacas, and Brasilito. There is also hydration assistance available for any participant who need a break.

The Marathon is actually broken down into age brackets, so that older runners can actually compete with younger ones, due to corrected finish times. The organizers of this year's event -- Global Sports X Groups, have already received confirmations from competitors in Canada, USA, Haiti, and other countries as well. This bodes well for the exotic Costa Rica Beach Resort, which is the host for all of the guests.

The local community benefits greatly from this exposure and welcomes athletes from around the globe. This is one way in which the community of Tamarindo has come together for the greater good of its citizens. If tradition holds this year as in the past, with ideal weather conditions, the race will go off without a hitch.

Major sponsors for this year's gala include: Sponsors Asics, Toyota, Marathon Tours and Travel, Europcar, Sur, Solarium, Suunto, Alumimundo, Cafe Rey, DWL, and Facitour, s.a.

For more information visit http://www.tamarindobeachmarathon.com