The most grueling canoe race in Belize is right around the corner, and paddlers are preparing to take on the Annual La Ruta Maya River Challenge.

The four-day race is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and sees racers traveling the 180-mile river route from the Macal River in the Cayo District to the Belize River in the Belize District. This race annually takes place on the weekend of National Heroes and Benefactors Day (formerly Baron Bliss Day), observed on March 9th – or the Friday/Monday closest.

This year, the start date for the race falls right on March 9th, at 7AM from the Hawkesworth Bridge between San Igancio and Santa Elena, Cayo District. The race goes through Monday, March 12th, where it ends at the Belchina Bridge in Belize City.

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