Ruta Maya Organizers Defend Race’s True Purpose

As the La Ruta Maya River Challenge faces resistance over its biggest route change in nearly three decades, race organizers now find themselves defending long‑standing questions about what the event truly stands for. Critics argue the iconic river challenge has drifted from its roots, shifting away from environmental awareness and community tradition toward revenue‑driven decisions, a sentiment amplified by the new finish‑line relocation and stricter vending requirements already stirring frustration among spectators and vendors. We put that broader concern directly to Committee Vice Chair Roberto Harrison, who insists the race hasn’t lost its purpose. Here’s how he responded.

 

Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair, La Ruta Maya Committee

“No I don’t think so, and I have been in this race for twenty-nine years and I don’t think we have ever shied away, even from the original creators that the environment, or bringing awareness to the environment is an essential part of the “it’s more than just a race”. We have definitely brought that awareness and attention that there are a lot of activities going on along the river, a lot of garbage being thrown in the river, a lot of agricultural development being done down to the banks of the river. I think we have maintained that momentum and I will admit, and I have said this that perhaps yes, we need to do more from a committee standpoint. But it takes, it will take another committee to address those issues, in particular the environment. We will have to partner with government and other NGOs that share the same idea and the love of the Belize River.”

 

As organizers defend the race’s mission, Harrison says they’ve never strayed from highlighting the river’s environmental challenges, even if he admits there’s still more work to do.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: