La Ruta Maya Belize Canoe Race

ABOVE: Moments before the start paddlers line up on the Macal River just off downtown San Ignacio, Belize.

The annual La Ruta Maya Belize Endurance Canoe race is the longest race of its kind in Central America. One hundred and seventy miles of paddling on the Belize River over the course of 4 days. The race gets underway in San Ignacio Town just under the Hawksworth Bridge. This year 91 teams participated with paddlers from Belize, USA, Canada, Japan and the U.K

Starting at 7 in the morning, the paddlers are challenged by rapids, low areas that require them to physically carry their canoes for short distances as well as winds as they near the Caribbean Sea.

ABOVE: Race route map shows the four stages. Paddlers overnight in tents on the banks of the river at Belmopan, Bermudian Landing, and Burrel Boom before the final dash to Belize City.

The start of the race sees hundreds of Belizeans and visitors trooping to the banks of the Macal Riiver - a beautiful sight in the early morning mist. A local marimba band is in attendance and paddlers take last-minute practic runs and swap tips about tricky spots on the river to avoid.

All comers are welcomed, from pros intent on winning to those just wishing to be in the race for recreation - like this visitor with her doggie.

The race was the idea of a the local Big H Juices company which always fields a strong team - ths year they were the winners. Canoe teams are sponsored by various businesses and educational institutions. The winning teams are the best trained and equipped - Kevlar appears to be the material of choice but many canoes are carved or made from exotic hardwoods such as this one sponsored by Belize's National Institute of Culture and History.

More pictures on the following page.

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