Posted: Friday, March 7, 2025. 11:26 am CST.
The 2025 edition of the Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge started in the Macal River under the Hawkesworth Bridge on Friday morning in San Ignacio making its way to the Belize River and on to Banana Bank. Photo Credit: Ricardo Salazar
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The roar of paddles and the cheers of spectators echo along the Belize River as the Belikin Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2025 edition is underway. From Friday, March 7, to Monday, March 10, the four-day canoe race promises a spectacular display of endurance and skill.
The grueling journey had a false start Friday morning under the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio, but the second start was good, and the first stage concludes at Banana Bank. Saturday’s leg will test competitors from Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage, followed by Sunday’s stretch from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom. The final, decisive stage will see teams racing from Burrell Boom to the new finish at the Courthouse Wharf in Belize City.
Defending champions, Slim Like Guava Limb, comprising Javier Guardado, Daniel Cruz Jr., and Andres Cabb Jr., are back, gunning for a third consecutive title. However, they face fierce competition from paddlers across Belize and beyond.
Here’s the detailed schedule:
- Day 1 (Friday, March 7): Hawkesworth Bridge, San Ignacio to Banana Bank
- Day 2 (Saturday, March 8): Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage
- Day 3 (Sunday, March 9): Double Head Cabbage to Paradise River Landing, Burrell Boom
- Day 4 (Monday, March 10): Burrell Boom to Courthouse Wharf, Belize City
The traditional pre-race festivities kicked off on Thursday, March 6, at 6:00 pm in San Ignacio. The celebration, held between the Hawkesworth Bridge and the Low-Lying Bridge, offered fans a chance soak in the pre-race atmosphere.
The Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge continues to draw crowds and participants, celebrating the rich history and natural beauty of the Belize River. With the new finish line and the return of seasoned competitors, the 2025 race promises four days of highly competitive racing.
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The post Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge has started: Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb gunning for a 3rd consecutive title appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, March 7, 2025. 11:26 am CST. The 2025 edition of the Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge started in the Macal River under the Hawkesworth
The post Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge has started: Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb gunning for a 3rd consecutive title appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
