SAN IGNACIO, CAYO, BELIZE, February 25, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- La Ruta Maya Belize River Race is full of Mud, Sweat and Cheers
La Ruta Maya Belize River Race is, arguably, one of the world's wildest festivals. Starting in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, contestants paddle a perilous and punishing 4-day course along the ancient Route of the Mayas. Some of the proceeds from this river regatta are used to raise awareness about Belize's phenomenal natural resources, some of which, like the Belize Barrier Reef, are at risk.
This year, RE/MAX Belize Property Center is sponsoring three teams for La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2009 - "The Freedom Fighters" and "The RE/MAX Rebels". RE/MAX Belize Property Center is proud to support La Ruta Maya and sponsor teams that will display incredible discipline, stamina, character and spirit. The sponsorship allows young Belizeans, who could not afford to enter the canoe race, an opportunity to participate in one of Belize's most momentous and historic festivals. La Ruta Maya Race is a true confidence and character-building contest and Belize Property Center is delighted to sponsor two teams in the "Pro Division" and one team in the "Dugout Division".
Embarking at the historic Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio, the only suspension bridge in Belize, participants launch their vessels into the Macal River and paddle furiously towards the Belize River along the Route of the Mayas. Billed as "170 miles of river racing", 3-member teams paddle 49 miles on Day 1; 60 miles on Day 2; 36 miles on Day 3 and 26 miles on the fourth and final day. The Annual Ruta Maya Race, founded and organized by Cayo Tropical Fruits, takes place from March 6th to 9th, 2009. They issue this challenge to participants on the cusp of their 12th anniversary: "With the spirit of competition and the promise of high adventure, the challenge is hereby cast to any and all hardy souls throughout Belize and the world, who dare to take up the quest for victory and pursue the adventure of a lifetime on the Belize Old River."
The exotic location of this grueling, 4-day race is further heightened by its enigmatic origins. In 1925, a wealthy and eclectic yachtsman sailed into Belizean waters, impelled by the promise of great fishing there. This seafaring mogul, the Fourth Baron of the Former Kingdom of Portugal, also known as Baron Bliss, instantly fell in love with Belize. However, a physical infirmity, alternately ascribed to polio, paralysis or food poisoning, prevented him from physically setting foot on Belize soil. Baron Bliss died aboard his yacht, "Sea King", on March 9, 1926 some two months after sighting Belize.
Incredibly, he bequeathed the bulk of his estate - some US$2 million - to the people of Belize. Of the $2 million, he stipulated that 100 British pounds be set aside for an Annual Regatta in Belize. Such it was that March 9th was declared Baron Bliss Day, a National Holiday in Belize, celebrated with much fanfare, parties, fishing tournaments and regattas throughout the country. La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, set in one of the world's most historic and verdant waterways, pays tribute to this man whose love of the Belize High Seas was only exceeded by his love for the people of Belize.
For further information regarding La Ruta Maya Belize River Race, log onto their website at http://www.larutamayabelize.com. If you'd like to discover more about the RE/MAX Ruta Maya Teams, please contact Looey Tremblay at looey@BelizePropertyCenter.com.
CONTACT:
Looey Tremblay, RE/MAX Belize Property Center
Tele: 501-824-0550; Email: looey@BelizePropertyCenter.com
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