Ocean to Ocean 100M + El Reto Del Indio
About the race
El Reto del Indio is a unique, beautiful, 161kms (100M), 105kms (65M) and 55kms (34M) race that goes through mountains and valleys, runs next to the Indio River for many kilometers, and ends in the Pacific Ocean.
In its 161km (100 Miles) distance, the race starts at the beautiful Caribbean side of Panama, on the Atlantic Ocean, crosses the country North to South (you will be actually crossing a continent in its narrowest point) and ends in the Pacific Ocean.
We are a grass-roots, local non-profit dedicated to helping more people enjoy the beautiful trails of Panama. We are also committed to helping people stretch themselves physically and experience the joy and satisfaction of pushing through challenges and accomplishing amazing goals.
Aid stations
With 15 total aid stations (7 of these full service), you will be well supported along the route. Full service aid stations will provide food, water, sports drink, gus, bathrooms, medical aid, and ice.
Aid Stations along the way support our runners with not only the most friendly and helpful people you can find but also communities along the race will cheer you as you cross Panama. You can jump in the rivers along the way.
Travel
If you're coming from outside the country, travel to and from Panama and within the country is very easy and quite affordable. Many runners who come from the US, for example, end up spending less than they have on traveling to many other races within the States.
Runner testimonials
I’ve been slogging through the mud for hours. But what kind of mud… I’m sinking up to my knees; the top 40 centimeters feel like a soft, soothing slurry, but lower down, where the relentless tropical rain hasn’t loosened it yet, it clamps onto my ankles and shoes.
Every step is twice the work just to pull my foot back up—and I pray the shoe comes with it. Countless times I lose my balance and plunge both hands up to my elbows into the muck. Ahh, and I was just thinking I’d film a bit… no chance.
I’m not risking my phone. I have to keep moving.
I’m alone in the jungle at night—or so I think. Of course I’m not. Spiders, snakes, monkeys, lizards, mosquitoes, birds—they’re all watching. They hear the conversations I’m having with myself, all of which inevitably end in swearing when I sink deep again—literally.
When I first met Dóri at the Mátra 115; two years ago; we started chatting and quickly discovered that besides long-distance trail running, we share another passion: Latin America. We talked about travels, countries, adventures—and a race in Panama that crosses the entire country.
At the start you dip your hand into the Atlantic Ocean (the Caribbean Sea), and at the finish you wade into the Pacific after conquering all 100 miles in a tropical climate. I immediately felt this was the challenge for me. I began to dream about it more and more.
Eszter Judit Tangl + Hungary
El Reto del Indio was surprising and beautiful in every way imaginable. Starting in the evening allows you to be present with the night life of the Panamanian jungle; awed by the constant surrounding animal sounds. It is like nowhere else I have ever been and felt very special.
I loved running through small villages with friendly locals and the aid stations are top notch, going above and beyond to help each runner succeed. The course is also deceptively hard for the elevation change. The mud was no joke, but don’t worry because the river crossings will clean you right up! Plus swimming in the Atlantic and Pacific before and after was very special.
Krista Fasciano + USA
El Reto del Indio was one of my toughest and most amazing ultra trail I have ever had. It was so challenging fighting with the hot weather, humidity, mud and level distances, but absolutely worth it because running into the ocean after 100 miles is an unforgettable memory.
I have never had so much love, kindness and support on a trail in abroad as I have received here from the organizers or from other participants, I felt from the first moment I belong here as much as a local runner. This is a trail that you have to experience, it will take your breath away in more ways than one.
Dora Lajos + Hungary
The course
160K
The race is a point to point race that runs North to South across Panama, just west of the Panama Canal. 80% of the course is dirt roads and 20% technical single track. There are plenty of water crossings and opportunities to jump in the water to cool off. The race is in the non-rainy season, which is windier and less humid.
The draw
This is the only 100 mile race in the world where you can cross an entire country, an entire continent, and include 2 different oceans. Start with your hand in the Atlantic Ocean, and finish by jumping into the Pacific!
Along the way you will pass through beautiful rain forests, mountains and valleys, villages and some of Panamas most beautiful landscapes. Much of the race will also follow the Indio River, with incredible views of Gatu Lake, which was created in order to form the Panama Canal.
Cut-offs
The cutoffs are very generous, with a total 38 hours to complete. Last year we had an 81% finish rate!
The course elevation
The total vertical gain for the 100 Mile will be 14,643 vertical feet.
Location
City insight: Salud
Salud is a community in Panama. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from about May to December and a drier season from January to April, so the early part of the year is the best time to race.
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