“corre como loco, cambia tu mundo”
ABOUT
Race Directors
Josue Stephens & Paula Ring
ISLA DE OMETEPE? NEVER HEARD OF IT...
Isla de Ometepe is 
a volcanic island located on Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lago Cocibolca) in the Southwestern region of Nicaragua. The two volcanoes, Volcan Maderas and Volcan Concepcion form most of the island. Volcan Concepcion (1610 meters) is considered an active volcano but has not had a major eruption since 1957. Volcan Maderas (1394 meters) has a crater lagoon and is surrounded by cloud forest and thick jungle. Its slopes are dotted with petroglyphs and stone idols. The forests of Ometepe are full of monkeys, tropical birds and rare insects, plants and flowers. Both volcanoes are now protected as national forests.
Isla de Ometepe is full of legends surrounding the volcanoes and its former inhabitants, the Nahua. The fertile volcanic soil makes Ometepe an agricultural phenomenon. Coffee, cacao, beans, rice, tobacco, bananas and many other fruits are plentiful on the island.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Ultramaratón Fuego y Agua is to bring responsible ecotourism to Isla de Ometepe in the form of challenging and exciting jungle races. Our purpose for the race is to bring an event that gives back to the island without taking anything more than beautiful memories and experiences.
The word ecotourism is a form of tourism that appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Generally speaking, ecotourism focu
ses on volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.
By using local guides, local food preparation, locally owned hotels and businesses, to name just a few, Ultramaratón Fuego y Agua hopes to boost the local economy and promote sustainable events on the island. Finishers trophies and winners prizes are locally crafted and produced by island artisans.
Runners and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the annual Isla de Ometepe Pre-Race Trash Pickup. This organized effort promotes local awareness of the island as a natural resource that must be preserved and maintained.
Portions of race entry costs and donations are used to host Calzado para Ometepe, a children’s race for local islanders. The children’s race promotes running, fitness, healthy eating and awareness of the island as an endangered environment that must be cared for. All participants of Calzado para Ometepe receive a pair of running shoes donated by supporters and participants of Ultramaratón Fuego y Agua.
MEET THE ORGANIZERS AND SUPPORTERS
UltramaratónFuego y Agua is only made possible with hard work, love and lots of dedication. Thank you to all friends and volunteers, we could not do it without you. Here is a small overview of the race organizers and supporters
Josue Stephens: Founder/Director/Organizer
An avid ultrarunner and traveling enthusiast, I spent the first ten years of life as a 
missionary kid in Mexico and Central America. Although mostly Scottish and Irish, I learned Spanish as my first language. Once of age, I continued to backpack down to Central America and Mexico for adventure and to quench my thirst for the beautiful culture. After visiting Isla de Ometepe in Nicaragua several times I fell head over heels in love with the place. My dream has always been to work with the people of Central America in Fair Trade, environmental and economic sustainability. When I began running ultra marathons, everything just clicked for me, I would develop a sustainable footrace on Isla de Ometepe. This way I could not only work with the local economy, but I could also have an incredible and challenging event at the same time.
Paula Ring: Director/Designer/Organizer
