The 15th Annual La Ruta Maya River Challenge 2013, sponsored by Belikin, saw 64 teams in various categories starting the four-day challenge. The competition kicked off on Friday March 8th from the foot of the Hawksworth Bridge on the Macal River between the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. By the end of the 180 mile race on Monday March 12th, The Belize Bank Bulldogs defended their title, winning the race by accumulative time, three (3) seconds ahead of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) team.

The first leg of the race, consisting of approximately 46 miles, saw the paddlers winding and dodging down the Macal without losing focus and determined to make it to Banana Bank Lodge. The first team to cross the first day’s finishing line was Belize Bank’s Bulldogs, closely followed behind by BTL Cobbs Arm and Ziprider.

The second day of the challenge, the longest of the four days, was vigorous and tested the paddlers’ stamina and perseverance throughout the 60 grueling miles. From Banana Bank Lodge on the Macal River to Double Head Cabbage on the Belize River, each team tried to capitalize as much on their time. That determination allowed Westrac to cross the finishing line 11 seconds ahead of Belize Bank’s Bulldog and 46 seconds ahead of Ziprider.

By day three of the race, from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom, the challenge was beginning to take a slightly new turn. The 36 miles of paddling was now in deeper water and required more experience and skills. However, Belize Bank’s Bulldogs were back in the lead at the end of the third day, crossing first at Burrel Boom; NICH followed five seconds after, while Ziprider drew up in third.

The final day, which normally attracts thousands along the bank of the Belize River, is the shortest of all. The 25 miles from Burrell Boom Village to Belize City was completed in less than three hours. First to cross the finishing line at the foot of the Belcan Bridge was Ziprider who finished in 2 hours – 42 minutes and 24 seconds. Ziprider made it ahead of NICH by three seconds and ahead of Belize Bank Bulldogs by nine seconds. It was an impressive finish on the fourth day, but when totaling the cumulative time Belize Bank’s Bulldogs placed 1st overall, thus defending thier title from the previous year. Coming second was NICH, while third place was taken by Ziprider.