Q: Are guests/non runners welcome ?
A: One cool feature of this event is that it is opens up the possibilities for couples or friends or groups who want to travel together even though some may not be runners. The runs are short enough that if you come down with someone who just wants to support you or just wants to relax they'll be able to enjoy every other aspect of the event itinerary and chill out for a couple of hours at remote beach areas and beautiful locales near the finish line each day, even though they are not coming to race.
Q: Do I need a Visa to enter Panama ?
A: US Citizens need only a valid passport and a tourist card. The tourist card is sold by the airline and costs $5.00. Be sure to purchase one when checking in at the counter; otherwise you'll have to make an additional line in customs to purchase it upon arrival. Other nationalities please consult the airline.
Q: Do I need Yellow Fever and/or Malaria vaccinations ?
A: No. These diseases have been absent for decades from this area. The water from the tap is potable.
Q: Is Health Care available in Bocas?
A: There is a hospital and drug-store in Bocas Town. Panama City is a 45 minute flight away and has excellent health facilities in the unlikely event you find yourself in a medical emergency.
Q: What language is spoken in Panama?
A: There are actually 14 living languages in Panama. Spanish is the official and most widely used language in Panama. English is spoken or understood by roughly 15% of the native population, mostly found around the captial city and the Caribbean coast. The other languages include: Buglere, Chinese, Embera, Epena, Kuna, Ngabere, Creole English, Teribe, and Woun Meu.
Q: Do I need to Speak Spanish to come to Bocas?
A: A simple Spanish phrase book could be helpful when getting around Panama City, but once you've arrived in Bocas, speaking English will work just fine for you. Bocas is historically an English Speaking area because the original schools were established around 1900 by the United Fruit Company. The schools continue to emphasize learning English.
Q: Is Panama safe?
A: Panama is considered to be one of the safest countries in Latin America.
Q: What currency is used?
A: The Balboa is the official currency. The Balboa is exactly equal to the U.S. dollar, and the dollar is accepted everywhere in Panama. The Balboa is only used for metal change. It can be difficult to find change for $50 or $100 dollar bills, and I.D. must be shown when spending them.
Q: What kind of food do they have?
A: Typical Panamanian dishes are influenced by its varied ethnic populations: Hispanic, European, Indigenous Indians, Chinese, and North American. Panama City has an excellent variety of restaruants; nearly all international cusines are represented. Some typical dishes include: Patacones (fried smashed plantains), Arroz con Guandu (rice with Pigeon Peas), Ceviche (seafood marinated in lemon juice, with onions, cilantro, and chili), Sancocho (a type of chicken soup), Carimanola (a roll of tropical yucca, fried and stuffed with meat and eggs).
Q: How should I pack ?
A: Remember that if you are traveling on any of the domestic airlines that they have a 25 pound checked baggage limit per person. You can check bags weighing more than 25 pounds however you will pay for the excess weight – at about $.70 per pound.
Life here is casual. Daytime attire should be based on your activities. Nighttime attire is pretty basic – most men wear shorts and a shirt for dinner and the women may wear the same or a casual sun dress. Shirts are required in Bocas town.
Here is a list of things you might want to consider bringing: Mandatory Packing List/ Gear
- Headlamp
- Hydration System: Water Bottle or Camelback
- Running clothes and camp clothes (1 extra ziplock or small bag or daypack to separate clean and dirty cloths)
- Supplemental electrolyte product or salt tablets.
- All gear , clothing and extra bags should fit into one medium sized duffle or backpack.
Here is a list of things you might want to consider bringing:
- A small daypack
- Second pair of sneakers and flip flops or closed toe sandals for camps and tours.
- Rain jacket – we are in the rain forest and it does rain on occasion
- Sunscreen – you are going to be exposed to the sun quite a bit
- After sun lotion – inevitably you may still get too much sun as we are rather close to the equator
- Bug repellant – if you choose to spend time outside at either dawn or dusk there are two ways to keep the bugs at bay – use bug repellant or wear light weight long sleeve and long pants
- Water shoes or tennis shoes which can get wet – you are going to want to wear shoes to reach some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and the path may be a bit wet along the way
- Long pants & lightweight long sleeve shirt for jungle hiking
- Lightweight long sleeve shirt for water activities – in case of too much sun
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Have additional questions not seen here ? Contact us at info@thecoastalchallenge.com or call (203) 353-1608.
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