Teams Gear Up for the Return of La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2022

February 1, 2022
by Larry Waight +

In thirty days, and for the first time in a year, the banks of the Macal River near the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio Town will be buzzing with excitement as paddlers, sponsors and spectators scramble down to the riverside to celebrate the return of the 2022 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge.

The much anticipated four-day event, which was put on pause last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held this year from March 4th-7th, 2022, and will consist of paddling one hundred and eighty miles across the country by way of the Belize River.

The race which is classified as one of the longest and most grueling in Central America will commence at 7:00 a.m at the foothills of the Maya Mountain in San Ignacio Town and ends four days later in the busy Belize City port. The race aims to test the strength, endurance, and stamina of paddlers who journey from as far away as the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, and Taiwan to brave the rapids and compete against local paddlers in eight various categories, ranging from Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Dory, Intramural, Pleasure Craft, and Family Adventure.

Organizers of the race say that since its inception 24 years ago, the event has been attracting between 50 to 70 teams per year and that despite the pandemic they are expecting that trend to continue. Our source also confirmed that while the race is still a month away local and international paddlers have already started to register their teams.

”’While the race will be done under COVID protocols and will see slight changes based on health mandates, anticipation for the race is high and paddlers continue to express their intention to register,” indicated that source.

That sentiment was echoed by the 12-time participant and captain of the Young Cutters Team, who told us that since learning of the races’ return he and his team members have been busy preparing, practicing, and strategizing for the upcoming event.

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”The Ruta Maya River Challenge is no joke, I don’t know why we like it because it’s nothing to play with. We suffer from dehydration, muscle cramps in our abdomen and legs. When we are finished at the end of the day, sometimes we can’t even lift up our hands to bathe. But I guess we do it for the love of the sport, ” he said.

The team captain also shared tips and secrets which he says boils down to getting a good start at the commencement of every leg of the race. That hinges on the ability to carry out a good sprint to ensure that you get ahead of the rest of the canoes. That will prevent you from getting caught up in their waves and possibly any spills that may occur. If you are lucky enough to get away from the pack then you can capitalize on the opportunity to ride the waves of top sprinters, which could be your ticket to the finishing line, according to him.

The race which was founded 24years ago by the Harrison family who then later partnered with Bowen and Bowen Limited was originally created for commercial purposes however it later blossomed into raising awareness for the environment, history, and culture of the Belize River. The event has now grown into a major public and tourist attraction.