La Ruta Maya River Challenge 2012 has begun

La Ruta Maya River Challenge 2012 got underway yesterday at the very early hour of 7 AM with over 70 participants starting just under the historic Hawksworth Bridge, that spans between the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio, on the Macal River . They paddled feverishly to the cheering public that lined the banks of the river and the bridge.

This grueling 4 day, 170 mile canoe race surely tests the endurance, strenght and will of men and women alike up until the very last day of the race. The race begins under the Hawksworth Bridge on the Macal River and ends at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City.

View the race categories and route

Photos of the Start of the Ruta Maya

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2011

The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is a grueling multi-day canoe race traveling down the Old Belize River. Starting from the historic Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio, Cayo District to the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. The route runs West to East along the Macal and Belize Rivers which was once a historic route and vital link between San Ignacio, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, and the bustling port of Belize City. This is a race for everyone (not just professional racers)!

Conceptualised by Richard Harrison of Big-H Enterprises for the purpose of launching Vida brand purified water, La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge made its debut on March 9, 1998 with great support from many Belizean corporations and organizations such as The Belize Tourism Board , The Lodge at Chaa Creek resort, and the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. It was seen as an opportunity to bring many partners with similar interests together to build an event that could allow for promotional themes of 'natural products' identified with sports, endurance, nutrition, and well being. The underlying concept is one of a team of businesses and organisations interested in the environment/ecology, history/culture and the tourism potential which the Belize Old River offers as one of the great natural resources of Belize.

 There are 8 divisions for the race:

1. Male  
2. Female  
3. Mixed  
4. Masters 
5. Dory 
6. Intramural 
7. Pleasure craft 
8. Family Adventure Race

There are three night stops as the race progresses: Banana Bank on the first night, Double Head Cabbage on the second night, and Burrel Boom on the third night. The first canoes enter into Belize City to cheering crowds at about 10:00 am on the last day.

 

The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Race coincides with the Baron Bliss Day Celebrations in honor of Belize's great benefactor Henry Victor Edward Bliss, who left a significant will to the people of Belize. The race occurs each year in March. This year (2011), the canoes left San Ignacio on March 4 and will arrive in Belize City on March 7. The teams, which race for station prizes along the way, battle for the major cash prizes awarded at the end of the race.

For more information on the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, Click Here.

Who do you think will win this years race?