Lapathon: From Matapalo all the way to Puerto Jimenez
The Lapathon is an annual marathon that the team at Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality organise together with Lapa Rios. I was lucky to arrive at Lapa Rios the night before the Lapathon and it was great to see everyone coming together in high spirits getting ready for the race the following day.
The Lapathon is another example of Lapa Rios helping the local community and bringing them together. The 18km race starts at the Carbonara School in Matapalo and finishes all the way in Puerto Jimenez.
I was amazed to see people had come from all over the country to partake in the event. I joined the team from The Harmony Hotel all the way from the Nicoya Peninsula and we drove for 9 hours to get there. For most people spending 9 hours in a car doesn't seem like a great day out but, driving down the coast of Costa Rica, with it's breathtaking views, 9 hours was a breeze!
On the morning of the event I walked down to the school and watched as everyone arrived. It was great to see everyone getting involved and having a laugh. T-shirts were handed out and all the runners started their warming up routines. I was introduced to the favourite who had also won the year before. He was expected to win this year as well. And he did!
The Lapathon is really a good example of Lapa Rios' commitment to the local community. Not only does it brings people together for a fun day out but it also raises money for local children with communication difficulties, supplying them with better care and facilities.
The children's race started later on in the coarse for the last few kilometers. After I watched the start of the seniors I made my way to the juniors and watched them all getting ready. It was so much fun to hang out with the kids that I didn't even make it to the finish to catch the winner crossing the line.
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