La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is a grueling multi-day canoe race traveling a perilous river route across the country of Belize. The route runs West to East along the Macal and Belize Rivers, once the only link between beautiful 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)!
There are 7 divisions for the race:
- Male
- Female
- Mixed
- Masters
- Intramural
- Pleasure craft
- Family Adventure Race
The canoes leave from San Ignacio and take a four day journey to Belize City. They stop at Banana Bank, Double Head Cabbage, Burrell Boom then end the race in Belize City.
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge began in 1995 as part of the Save Our Rivers Programme: a boat race meant to help popularize efforts to clean up trash and debris on the shores of the Old Belize River. The clean-up effort evolved into a beloved event tied to environmental concerns and has brought much attention and traffic to the Belize River Valley Community.
With its finish line located in the fastest growing region in the country, the event has become a clarion call to all who are interested in reserving the naturally beauty of these iconic rivers and in promoting environmentally sound, sustainable lifestyles.
The name of the race was later changed to the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge and has become a family event that attracts spectators and participants from all over the globe.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about the race, or would like to field a team in this year’s race, contact rutamaya@gmail.com.
