Team Occoquan-Prince William is participating in a 4-day, 170-mile canoe race through Belize known as La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge in support of ACTS and CASA. But the term “La Ruta Maya” has long had another meaning, referring to a general route followed by travelers in Central America that passes through several countries and exposes them to numerous ancient Mayan sites. Winding through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, travelers on La Ruta Maya may visit famous Mayan cities like Chichen Itza (Mexico), Tikal (Guatemala), and Copan (Honduras), as well as a host of lesser-known, yet impressive sites. Belize boasts a number of the latter, including Altun Ha, Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun, Xunantunich, Lamanai, and Caracol, which is thought by some to have once rivaled Tikal.
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge has a more commercial origin. The first event was held in 1998 and was tied with the launch of Vida brand purified water. Conceptually, the goal of the event has been to promote natural products identified with sports and endurance, while at the same time raising awareness of one of Belize’s major natural resources, the Belize Old River. Since its founding, the Belize River Challenge has become a major public event and tourist attraction, with the finish occurring at Belize City on National Heroes and Benefactors Day (also known as Baron Bliss Day).
Please consider pledging 10 cents, 20 cents, or more per mile as Team Occoquan-Prince William competes in the La Ruta Maya 2019 Belize River Challenge. We will collect after the race and your entire pledge will go to ACTS and CASA. And please remember our corporate sponsors, Harbour View and Patriot Scuba.
Thank you for your support!
