Andrea Sanabria and her husband Ismael Salazar will compete again in the Carrera del Chirripó 2020. Sanabria has won the race nine times already. The couple is indigenous Cabécar and is dedicated to agricultural work. They sow beans, corn and chayotes.
They recently moved to Sitio Gilda near Sanabria’s mother. They used to live an hour further away. Still, they are 30 minutes from the nearest school and 23 kilometers away from public services like electricity.
In January they will start training for the athletic event. Salazar built a trail in the mountains.
The Minister of Sports recently visited with a delegation to see the needs of the population and bring gifts such as training uniforms as well as toys for the kids. They were told of the problems, such as the absence of drinking water and electricity, few options for paid work, difficulties selling their products, and many living eight hours walking distance from the nearest school.
The couple will compete in the event in February and hope to win the ₡250,000 prize.
