Preparations for the ninth annual Lagoon-Reef Eco-Challenge are underway, and the 2013 dates have been set for May 25th and 26th. This challenge will once again take kayakers through the delicate eco system of Ambergris Caye. Organizers of the event Elito Arceo and Kira Foreman revealed that the only major change is the starting route. Due to the project taking place at the original starting location at the old football field, the race will now commence at 6AM at Central Park heading north to the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge where they will travel under the bridge and into the lagoon area of San Pedro.
From there paddlers will follow the normal annual route.On the first day, the kayakers will paddle up to Basil Jones in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, where they will camp out for the night. On the second day, the kayakers will sprint southwards along the eastern coast of Ambergris Caye. The race will end in front of the Central Park. The routes are clearly marked so that the participants don’t get lost and the rules for the race remain the same as during past years’.
Since its inception in 2005, the Eco-Challenge has become an event of international attraction and a definite mainstay for islanders that eagerly anticipate it year after year.
The main purpose of the race is to sensitize residents to the importance of the ecosystem in and around the island, while promoting the best ways possible to conserve it. Beside the amazing prizes the race provides, the experience gained during the event is one of a kind and the sights and memories are forever engraved in participants’minds.
Persons interested in registering for the race, or wanting to learn more about the Eco-Challenge are encouraged to contact Elito Arceo at 610-1690 or at the Seaduced Office in the Vilma Linda Plaza.
