Some of the top canoeists from around the world and a vast contingency of local Belizeans were able to gather in March for the 25th Annual La Ruta Maya, after a two-year pandemic hiatus during which time the country was almost entirely shut down. The race is considered the largest sporting event in Belize and one of the best known multi-day canoe races in the world, and over the years has become as dynamic as the Belize River itself, the traditional route east for native peoples since time immemorial.
Tracing an Ancient Mayan Route…
The Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is a renowned canoe marathon and seemingly almost everyone in the country comes out to spectate along the 180-mile, four-day route, many traveling and camping along with their favorite teams for the week. The race famously launches from beneath the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio, and runs to the Belcan Bridge in Belize City, now in its 25th year as the country comes back strong after the pandemic. This year about 46 teams were fielded, although in some past years there has been as many as 100 or more teams entered.