Seafront Inn takes the top prize at the Eco-Challenge

The 7th Eco-Challenge Kayak Race saw 33 teams total participating in this much anticipated annual event.
Early Saturday morning, the teams gathered at the lagoon side of the island, ready to start the 42-mile, 2-day race.
Teams paddled through the many lagoons of Northern Ambergris Caye, up to Bacalar Chico and down to Robles Point.


Teams camped overnight and the next morning, the race continued to the finish line at Central Park.

There a large crowd anxiously awaits to see who will be the first to cross the finish line.

That doesn't mean that the first to cross the line are the winners. The winners are determined by the times logged over the 2-day course of the race.

This year's Senior first place winners are from Seafront Inn ($3k plus 1 round trip ticket on Tropic Air).

Following in Second Place was Tortugas de Coco Beach ($2k plus 1 round trip ticket on Tropic Air), and third place, A Toda Madre ($1k plus 2 round trip tickets on Tropic Air).

In the Junior Division, the first place was taken by Gonzalez Finishers, followed by El Pescador with Second Place, and third place, Searious Boys.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners!!

The purpose of the race is to promote awareness, protection and conservation of mangroves, lagoons, reefs and the diverse species found in these natural habitats.

Thanks to the organizers of this great event, and see you in 2012!!

Read more in this week's The San Pedro Sun...

2011 Eco-Challenge dates announced

Preparations for the seventh annual Reef-Lagoon Eco-Challenge are well underway and set for Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th, 2011. This highly anticipated race comes at the end of Reef Week each year, with the objective to bring awareness of how important it is to protect and conserve our very fragile eco system.
According to organizer Mr. Elliot Arceo, minor changes have been made to the rules of the race this year. In previous years, there were no guidelines regulating the type of paddles used. This had encouraged users to use state of the art paddles, which have affected the outcome of the race in the past. In an effort to level the playing field, Mr. Arceo informed The San Pedro Sun that all paddlers will be required to use the same type of paddles. The only acceptable paddles in the race are the paddles sold along with the kayaks.
The deadline for registrations is set for May 12. The price remains the same at Bze$200.00 per team. As this is an amateur race, it is once again opened to non-professional competitors cross country. Competitors will be competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, and the many fun prizes awarded.
Once again the race is scheduled to commence from the Old Football Field bright and early Saturday morning; head north to Bacalar Chico via a pre designated course, leading them through various lagoons that surround the island. The second day, the paddlers return to town where the race ends at Central Park.
There are plans for activities at the Central Park throughout the day on Sunday; however details of these activities will be announced as they come available. The organizers take this opportunity to encourage participants to start practicing – practice is crucial, as well as to encourage the teams from San Pedro and the rest of the country, both boys and girls to sign up and become part of this exciting race. The entire town is asked to come out and support all the paddlers and be a part of the Reef Week activities as well.

Kayakers are in...

Official details will be posted as stats become available. Below find some images of the final leg of the race as paddlers cross the finish line.

Ranza Boys (sponsored by The Reef Radio) were the first to cross the finish line

Belizean Shores team couldn't wait to hit the water...

The face of relief and elation...land!!

Congratulations to all participants!!

Lagoon - Reef Eco Challenge Begins.

This morning at around 6:00 a.m, thirty five two-man teams gathered at the old football field in front of the Sunset Restaurant for the commencement of what will be a two day challenge promoting awareness, protection and conservation of mangroves, lagoons, reefs and the diverse species that are found along the shore lines and mangroves of the island.

This year marks the sixth year of the annual Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge. The concept was originally inspired by Mr. Elito Arceo and it has blossomed into a national event, welcoming participants from country wide.

The race is schedule to culminate at the Central Park tomorrow, where a full day of activities is scheduled. All are invited to come out, bring the family and enjoy a day of fun filled games, food and drinks and support your favourite team.

Congratulations to all the participants and good luck.