Travel Running: Tamarindo, Costa Rica

The first time I was in Costa Rica I was much younger and not yet a runner. The memories from that first trip stuck with me and I longed to get back to this amazing country. Opportunity struck when my brother and his wife got married in Tamarindo in 2015.

Tamarindo is on the west coast of Costa Rica. It is a popular tourist spot and many of the businesses here are run by expats. The environment of this little town made me feel very safe on my runs. Also, this little Costa Rican town was taken over by my family for the wedding so it was, I don’t think ever the case, that I didn’t pass someone on my run.

From our condo I was able to run along the dirt road through the shop area enough to reach about 3 miles one way. The road was safe with almost no cars and only people walking. A few days I would take my run to the beach and strip off my shoes to run barefoot on the sand. I would advise an out-and-back run being the best way to avoid getting lost.

When I wasn’t running I would walk into the shop area or head to the beach and never once was nervous about my safety. Safety is often the first thing I think about when traveling to and running in a new country. Especially when English is not the primary language. It is, of course, important to be aware of a different culture and the risks of being foreign to the country, but don’t get too worked up about always being on guard. You’ll often find as you explore a new place that the people are kind, generos and helpful. Be smart but let yourself explore new and beautiful places and get to know new and beautiful people.