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 8 divisions for the race:
- Male
- Female
- Mixed
- Masters
- Dory
- Intramural
- Pleasure craft
- Family Adventure Race
The race occurs each year in March, coinciding with Baron Bliss Day. This year (2010), the canoes will leave San Ignacio on March 5 and arrive in Belize City on March 8. The teams, which race for station prizes along the way, battle for the major cash prizes awarded at the end of the race.
This race was founded by Cayo Tropical Fruits Ltd. (producers of Big-H brand fruit juices, Vida Purified Water and Mamita Milks) 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.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about the race, or would like to field a team in this year's race, contact inquiries@bighjuices.com or send a fax to 501-824-2646 (Belize).