FAQ

Who can participate in Jimbee Volcano UltraMarathon?

All those people, men and women, who want to test their physical and mental abilities in an unrepeatable environment. The VUM is a race that allows freedom of pace and welcomes both elite athletes and adventure lovers with a good physical condition.

Can a friend or relative come with me?

Yes, the VUM organization offers in parallel to the race a Partner Pack that allows them to travel together, to see their family or friends during the daily stages, race start, finish, camps, etc. Find out more at info@volcanoultramarathon.com or runners@volcanoultramarathon.com

What physical condition is necessary to participate in the VUM?

Jimbee Volcano Ultramarathon is open to a wide range of people with different sporting abilities, free pace race, with cut-off and closing times at checkpoints and wide finish lines for different race paces. However, the toughness of the stages in terms of elevation gain and distance make it a selective race for those who are not used to running or walking at a good pace over long distances and significant slopes. Keep in mind that you should have more than a basic sport preparation.

On what type of terrain does VUM run?

The terrain is varied and mainly consists of rainforest trails, dry and humid mountains, volcanoes and crossroads. It is off the usual paths and routes for people. There are very few sections without slopes, either positive or negative, because the particular geography of Costa Rica forces us to overcome all these types of terrain. We must pay close attention to the flora and fauna of the country, as it will require a lot of attention to keep us out of danger. Remember that you are participating in an extreme event.

Where does the race take place?

Starting in the northwest of the country, crossing the center and heading southwest. You will pass by some of the largest and oldest volcanoes in Costa Rica, sleeping a few meters from the crater of some of them and traveling through areas that are dead due to volcanic activity.

You will constantly discover unusual landscapes, communities, tribes and natural areas, one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. We will be between 100 and 3000 meters above sea level.

What is the route?

The final route will be announced to the participants on the 2nd, during the delivery of the road book and the technical talk.

What time will we get up?

You are free to wake up at any time. It is recommended between 2 and 2 hours and a half before the start of each stage. From that time the hot water will be ready for making breakfast, until 30 minutes before the race start, when the briefing of each stage will begin. Starting times will be from 5:30 am to 8:00 am.

What is the time limit per stage?

The closing times of the checkpoints, as well as the entrance to the finish line, vary according to the distances and slopes of each stage. In any case, all stages must start and finish with sunlight, so they will never exceed 7-9 hours from start to finish, which is enough time estimated by the organization to complete the route for a person in good physical condition.

If I exceed the time limit, can I still compete?

If a runner finishes outside the cut-off times established by the organization, 10 hours in normal stages and 20 hours in the Queen stage, he/she may continue in the race and therefore participate in the start the following day, provided that his/her physical condition allows it and the medical and race directors authorize it.

See Article 6 and 11 of the race Regulations.

May I be left behind on the route because of my slow pace?

In no case will any participant be left alone on the course. A sweeping team of the organization always goes behind the runner in last position.

Should we carry liquids and food during the race?

Yes, each runner must carry a minimum of 2,000 calories per day, for a total of 7 days = a minimum of 14,000 calories. This will be checked on the day you receive your race bib, and you will need to carry the food with you for the entire event to consume when appropriate.

REMEMBER: This is an event without assistance, only providing 10l of water on average per athlete at each stage. A minimum water load capacity of 2.5l will be required.

What is the distance between checkpoints?

It depends on the stage, although as a general rule, provisioning points can be found every 10 or 12 km.

What is at the checkpoints?

Only water as hydration for the runner. At the checkpoints there will be medical assistance, as well as a rest area.

What should I do if I want to quit?

Withdrawals are situations reflected in the race Regulations. They can occur before the start of the stage or during the race. It must be communicated at one of the checkpoints to the race staff. Whenever possible, the runner must reach the finish line by his/her own means with the organization team that is at the tail end of the race. If this is not possible, the pick-up procedure will be activated by the race management.

Should I bring a first-aid kit?

In the checkpoints, as well as in the camps, there is a medical service available to the participants. In any case, each runner must carry a first-aid kit with the established items (see Mandatory equipment).

Will the route be marked?

The route will be properly and sufficiently signposted in order to avoid unwanted “misplacements”.

Can I get lost?

Although the route of the race runs through clearly signposted paths, and therefore following the itinerary should not pose any kind of complication, the possibility of getting lost is objectively possible, so each runner will have a road book, compass (Mandatory equipment) and emergency spot, a device delivered in the technical talk as well as its instructions for use.

In any case, if there is a clearly complex area, it will be supervised by a person of the organization who will give the relevant indications.

Is there cell phone coverage?

During the itinerary there are several areas with cell phone coverage. In any case, such coverage is not available during the whole route.

In Costa Rica there are not many coverage problems, but beware of international data charges. We recommend keeping your cell phone watertight, since you will be crossing rivers.

What are the camps like?

Each camp will have an Organization area and a runners’ area. Runners will be accommodated in individual tents and will be provided with the following services: dining tent, medical tent, camp manager’s tent at the entrance of the camp, and toilet.

How will we sleep in the camps?

In dome type tents. We recommend carrying a sleeping mat.

Is there electricity in the camps?

Yes, but limited in quantity and time. The camps, for obvious reasons, will not have power supply. The organization will try to provide the means to provide it, being aware of the limitations, so it will be possible to charge any device (camera, cell phone, watch, etc.).

Can I buy food or drink during the event?

No. Please note that this will result in a penalty.

Is the water I will drink during the race safe?

The water provided by the organization, both at provisioning stations and at meals, will be all bottled water. The organization will mark the areas along the route where drinking water is recommended.

Is there medical staff during the race to assist the runners?

A medical team will be at the start and finish of each stage. Likewise, one or two members of this team will be on the route of the race at the checkpoints.

What is the expected weather during the race?

In general terms, the climate in Costa Rica consists of two seasons: the dry and wet seasons, and we will be crossing the country in both environments.
In any case, and given the global weather changes, we will have to take into account the personal equipment in case of any unforeseen weather (check out the equipment recommendations).
It should be noted that the race takes place at different altitudes depending on the stage, so we can calculate that the minimum temperatures at the highest points of the race, especially during the night and dawn, can reach 0 ºC or -5 ºC, so we provide a bag for cold-weather clothing (which will be delivered and explained in the technical talk).

Questions to help you prepare Jimbee Volcano Costa Rica