Twenty-seven teams participated in this years race, and Armin Lopez and Amado Cruz of the Belize Bank Team “We de Pan Line” came in first place. The Belize Bank team came in approximately 16 minutes ahead of the defending champions Jambel, and two minutes over 2nd place winners, Punta Runners. The Belize Bank team took home a BZ$3,000.00 cash prize.

This year’s race had a diverse group of competitors ranging from amateur teenagers to experienced paddlers as were Ruta Maya Race veterans Team Belize Bank and Jambel. The Belize Bank team was also this years’ winning Ruta Maya River Challenge winners. Participants came from all over Belize including Caye Caulker, Punta Gorda, and Cayo, and also included members of the Belize Defense Force.

The two day race challenged competitors on their strength and speed and took them through more than twelve lagoons and various reef ecosystems in and around Ambergris Caye. Organizers of the race stress that the purpose of the challenge is to promote environmental awareness, protection and conservation of the mangroves, lagoons, reef, and diverse animal life living in these habitats. They hope to grow the race each year.

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