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Marty Offline OP
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11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge to be the biggest race yet

All is set for the 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge, and it looks like it is going to be the biggest one yet! Kicking off on Saturday, May 23rd and ending on Sunday, May 24th, the iconic kayak race is one that has been eagerly awaited. Teams consisting of two paddlers have prepared for months in order to endure one of toughest races in Belize. Of course, all eyes are on the amazing prizes that will be given out.

"We are ready! Even the smallest details have been taken care and now we are just awaiting the date to come. We wish all the teams the best of luck and thank them for their participation," said organizer, Elito Arceo. The race route has paddlers taking off on Saturday at 7AM from the Sunset Boardwalk along the lagoon side of the island. Kayakers will then make their way 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, with kayakers heading down to Central Park, along the eastern coast of Ambergris Caye.

While there is still not a set number of registered teams, Arceo has indicated that this year has a high number of participants. "We have issued over 42 registration forms. That is a record number in the Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge," said Arceo. Prior to the race, organizers will be holding a mandatory meeting for all participants on Friday, May 22nd at the Sun Breeze Conference Room starting at 6:30PM. The meeting is to discuss the rules and regulations of the race, as well as expected conduct from the racers.

Prizes for the Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge are as follows: 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.

For further information contact Elito Arceo at 610-1690 or Kirah Forman at 602-0227.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun


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Last edited by Marty; 05/26/15 05:12 AM.
Joined: Oct 1999
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Click photos for more pictures!

Congratulations to team 'Hole Mi Title' for taking 1st Place in the 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge!! 2nd Place went to team BCG (Belize Coast Guard) and third place, we are so proud to announce, are team 'Bull Dog', sponsored by The San Pedro Sun/Belize Pro Divers!! Whoot whoot!! Awesome job guys!!!


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Marty Offline OP
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The 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge Was the Closest One Yet!
For the last 11 years, two-man or woman teams of kayakers take to the water for a 42 mile, two day kayaking marathon. The event highlights reef conservation and environmental friendliness and is just a super fun competition for those paddling (wishful thinking on my part) and for those on shore enjoying a Belikin and cheering them on. The event started Saturday at the old football field�7pm was the time but thing got moving a bit slowly. The paddlers race up the back side of the island, through lagoons, sometimes carrying their kayaks in shallow water. They paddle the canal, Bacalar Chico, dug by the Mayans between Belize and Mexico and then camp over night� On Sunday morning, they head back down to Central Park. I made it to town to see the EXHAUSTED winners�and a huge crowd out to greet them. It's a super fun town event. The wind was strong�up to 25 mph from the east and then south east and the day hot and hazy.

Team 'Hole Mi Tite' wins 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge
After two days of grueling conditions and a close fight to the finish line, Carlos Ramirez and James Alford of Team 'Hole Mi Tite' took the first place win at the 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-challenge. The boys, sponsored by The Environmental Defense Fund, conquered the 42 mile race in record time, earning them the coveted first place trophy and prizes. This year's Eco-challenge kicked off on Saturday, May 23rd and finished on Sunday, May 24th. Not only did the race see the highest number of participants, but it also recorded the best overall times. Aimed at raising awareness on the importance of conserving the island's fragile marine ecosystem, the kayak race offers a unique experience to all participants. The 27 registered teams gathered at the Seaduced by Belize dock on the Sunset Boardwalk. Under calm water conditions, paddlers took off at 7:45AM, darting towards the north-western coast of Ambergris Caye. Spectators flocked the neighboring docks cheering on their favorite teams.


Joined: Oct 1999
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Marty Offline OP
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Eleventh Lagoon/Reef Eco-Challenge Held in San Pedro

Kayakers Battle at 11th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge
What at Tight Race! - Last year competitors of the San Pedro Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge battled the elements as rough seas and high winds tested each paddler to their limit, but this year it was each team against each other. The battle for first place was hotly contested by two teams only ten seconds apart. The 11th kayak race took place on Saturday, May 22 to Sunday, May 23, 2015. The overall sentiment of all the participants is that the kayak race is very difficult, testing the strength, endurance and will of each team. Out of the 24 teams that started the race on day one, six did not make it to the finish line the next day. The race includes a 25-mile paddle to the northern border of the island on the back side and back down to the 17 miles to San Pedro Town and the finish line. Ten seconds or roughly ten hard strides was what separated first and second place in this year's competition. Taking the first place trophy and $3,000 was Carlos Ramirez and James Alford, the Environmental Defense Fund team under the name 'Hole Me Tite'. They beat out Alfonso Lind and Daniel Gregorio, the Belize Coast Guard team under the name BCG Boys. It took both teams roughly about nine and half hours to complete the two-day race.



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