On next Sunday December 4, the streets of the capital city will welcome thousands of athletes who will participate in the XVI edition of the Costa Rica International Marathon 2011. The event is one of the sporting attractions in Costa Rica since 15 years ago.

According to the International Marathon Association, the competition will feature several world elite participants. Besides, thousands of Costa Ricans and foreign athletes will attend the event, taking advantage of cheap travel packages to Costa Rica offered by some local travel agencies.

The competition of 42 km will start at 1 pm from the north side of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, San Jose. The goal will be located at the National Stadium. The organizers will give a bonus of $1,500 to the winner who broke the current record of 2:25 hours for men and 2:45 for women categories.

The event is supported by four of the best Costa Rica hotels: the Best Western Irazu, the Holiday Inn San Jose, the Best Western San Jose Downtown and the Hampton Inn & Suites, which will provide accommodation and some transport services to foreign athletes.

Thousands of people will support athletes who will crowd the streets of the capital to compete in the event, considered one of the most exciting Costa Rica tourist attractions, not only for visitors who want to see the competition, but the foreign athletes who will participate in the competition.

The International Marathon was established in the country 15 years ago. At present, it is one of the most important athletics activities in Costa Rica. The event has strong objectives such as to project the city of San Jose as sporting and cultural headquarters in Central America, and turn Costa Rica in a preferred destination for sports tourism.