Costa Rica Daily News Brief - August 25, 2025

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica - Today’s top headlines span sport, civic participation, and international migration developments involving Costa Rica.

XTERRA Costa Rica Crowns National Champions

Las Catalinas, Guanacaste (August 25, 2025) - The XTERRA off-road multisport festival concluded its three-day program with Costa Rican athletes sweeping both Trail Half Marathon and Full Distance Triathlon titles. Gabriel Quirós and Paola Herrera Montero prevailed in the 31.2 K Trail Half Marathon, clocking 2:43:48 and 3:09:57 respectively. In Sunday’s Full Distance Triathlon (1.5 K swim, 26.2 K mountain bike, 10.4 K run), Álvaro Campos triumphed in 2:42:31, while Raquel Solís secured her second consecutive victory in 3:06:54. Over the weekend, local supporters thronged Las Catalinas’ cobblestone streets and beaches to cheer on athletes vying for qualifying spots in the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship and an elite prize purse totaling USD 7,500.

Referendum Law Gains Spotlight on Anniversary of Debate

San José (August 25, 2025) - Marking the one-year anniversary of its enactment, Law N° 8492 (Ley de Referéndum) was the subject of public discourse today. The statute governs nationwide referenda in Costa Rica, requiring 5% of the electoral roll to petition for a vote and a minimum turnout threshold of 30% for ordinary laws. Since its passage, civic organizations have explored its mechanisms to put budgetary, environmental, and infrastructure proposals before voters.

Salvadoran Asylum Seeker Seeks Refuge in Costa Rica

Miami, USA (August 25, 2025) - Kilmar Abrego García, a Salvadoran facing federal smuggling charges in the United States, was taken into ICE custody today after declining a plea deal that would have resulted in his deportation to Costa Rica. Abrego García’s attorneys filed a lawsuit challenging his confinement and insist his client intends to seek asylum under Costa Rica’s refugee framework rather than accept forced return.

  1. XTERRA Costa Rica Crowns New and Returning Champions in Las Catalinas, Endurance Sportswire, August 25, 2025.
  2. “Referendum Law-Empowering Citizen Participation,” TicosLand Business News, August 25, 2025.
  3. Kilmar Abrego García taken into ICE custody, lawyer says, News 9, August 25, 2025.