Ruta Maya 2026 Prepares for a Fresh Finale

And while those young performers march toward competition season, organizers of the upcoming La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge are charting potential route changes and calling on paddlers to register early, signaling another major community tradition gearing up for a dynamic year. The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge returns March sixth to ninth, and organizers are urging paddlers to sign up early as they prepare for this year’s race. They’re also inviting new and young competitors to jump in, and after nearly three decades, the committee is eyeing a possible change to the finish line, with Grand Resort now under consideration.

 

Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair, Ruta Maya Committee

“The route will change and we are not finalizing it as yet. But more than likely the route will change, but we still have San Ignacio under the bridge to Banana Bank the first day. Then from Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage on the second day. Then on the third day we have Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom. Then Burrell Boom we are considering the race will end at the Grand Resort, right there at the entrance to Haulover Creek. That would be a change of its own because traditionally we have ended this race in Belize City over the last twenty-nine year we have held the race.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What is the rational or consideration for the possible change?”

 

Roberto Harrison

“The rational is basically the security part of it becomes a challenge for us. The Civic Center is too open, and we need to have better control of what happens. We have tried to look at other options and today none is available. So, we have looked at the Grand Resort as a possibility going forward.”

 

With excitement building, the committee is seriously eyeing a new finish line, saying the switch would give them tighter security and far better control over the crowds.

 

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