The 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge is set to take place on Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th. Organizers have been hard at work preparing all details for the iconic kayak race that takes participants through San Pedro’s lagoons and sea in a test of endurance and strength. Of course, teams also look forward to the amazing prizes, including a grand cash prize for the first place winners.
According to event organizer, Elito Arceo, 26 teams have registered so far and he expects more teams to register before the race date. The race follows the same traditional structure: paddlers take off on Saturday at 7AM from the beach in front of Central Park and make their way towards the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, where they will enter the lagoon side of the island. The first day of the race will take kayakers up to the Basil Jones Area in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve where they will camp out for the night. The second day of the race kicks off on Sunday at 9AM. Kayakers will make a last sprint from their campsite to Central Park, along the eastern coast of Ambergris Caye.
Prizes remain similar to previous years. Cash prizes will be given to the top three finishers: first prize will include $3,000 cash and a trophy, second prize will include $2,000 cash and a trophy, and third prize will include $1,000 cash and a trophy. Additional awards will be given for youngest team, oldest team, “dog tired” team, “I will never do this race again” team, last place team, most creative team, most eco-friendly team, most fun team and Most Valuable Player award.
Volunteers are needed to assist during the days of the race. Those wishing the volunteer can contact Elito Arceo at 610-1690 or Kirah Foreman at 602-0227. Registration forms for participants are available at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Officer and SEAduced by Belize Office.
Arceo has also indicated that this is the last year that the Eco-challenge will follow this format. As of next year, the race will be open to professional teams as well as international paddlers. This is being done with aims of developing the race into a much larger event.
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