RACES
Canoe racing in Belize began with La Ruta Maya in 1998 when the focus was cleaning up the inland waterways. While sadly this has not remained the focus for canoe racing in Belize, the sport has grown and now there are almost 10 races scheduled each year. While it is a relatively new sport in Belize, just reaching its 16th anniversary in 2013, canoe racing has grown very quickly as a result of dedicated supporters.
In 2008, 10 years after the launch of La Ruta Maya, the Boom to Manatee Lookout Race was created to serve as a trial run for La Ruta Maya. In 2009 the Boom to the City Race was launched as an additional prep race for La Ruta Maya. Over the years each race has received support from traditional sponsors and sometimes take on the sponsors name or just the name of the start and end point. You can see from the map of races that most are held along the Belize River. As the sport continues to grow more races are now being scheduled throughout the year. Each year new groups organize additional canoe races to coincide with other holidays or celebrations. The following races are organized around other events:
There are many waterways remaining to be explored by eager paddlers and their teams. If you would like to organize a new race anywhere in Belize, please contact the Belize Canoe Association today! |