How The Finish of The World Obtained Placencia Operating

Since its inception in 2012, the Finish of the World Marathon has grow to be a beloved annual custom on the Placencia Peninsula.  Drawing runners and spectators from round Belize and throughout the globe, this occasion, with its curious identify and celebratory environment, epitomizes the quirky spirit of Placencia and affords a novel mix of athletic problem and neighborhood comradery.  Right here’s how rumors of the top of the world obtained the peninsula working.

Origins of the Title

Maybe you’ll recall that some Doomsdayers had been predicting an apocalypse again on the finish of 2012.  That’s as a result of the traditional Mayan calendar ended on December 21 of that yr and sure theorists had been holding their breath for the upcoming cataclysm.  However in true, carefree Placencia vogue, villagers commemorated the date with an occasion that will defy the predictions: a marathon! 

The primary race was held simply days earlier than the anticipated annihilation, and when the 21st handed with out incident, the race was named in honor of the day the world didn’t finish.  The Mayan Calendar is likely one of the earliest and most important artifacts of the superior civilization that thrived for lots of of years in Mesoamerica and was found right here in Belize on the Cuello archaeological website.  What started as a whimsical nod to a cultural second rapidly developed right into a a lot anticipated and beloved annual custom.

The Marathon Expertise

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The race is understood for its picturesque and pancake-flat route alongside the Placencia Peninsula’s sole foremost highway, providing runners views of the Caribbean Sea, littoral forest, and quaint communities.  However what the EOW race is most famous for is its enthusiastic spectators and themed water stations staffed by volunteers. 

Residents and companies alongside the highway supply individuals encouragement and comedian reduction all through the 26.2 miles (or 13.1 miles for half marathoners).  All proceeds from the race go in direction of native schooling and over the previous 12 years income from the EOW marathon has funded greater than 100 four-year highschool scholarships, 40 college scholarships, and 30 vocational faculty scholarships to Belizean youth.

Come for the Run, Keep for the Enjoyable

Picture courtesy of The Belize Assortment

December is a superb time to go to the peninsula because the marathon is only one element of a month-long celebration.  Festivities ramp up for the vacation season so anticipate the village to be additional merry and vibrant.  Christmas Craft Markets, a Santa-led boat parade, faculty pageants, and the very talked-about Mistletoe Ball all happen in December.  It’s also the time of yr when Scarlet Macaws migrate in spectacular numbers to the forest surrounding close by Purple Financial institution Village. 

Immerse your self within the pure fantastic thing about the area and the prolific hospitality of the peninsula’s individuals.  Absorb a cultural demonstration of conventional Garifuna drumming and dance, take pleasure in a scrumptious and academic culinary expertise, or dive into the crystal-clear water and discover the coral reef simply offshore.  With a lot to see and do you will have to reign your self in to avoid wasting power for the marathon.

Register to Run

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Whether or not you’re an avid runner with a number of marathons on the books or a first-timer trying to sort out the problem in paradise, the Finish of The World is a race you received’t remorse.  Go to www.runbelize.org or www.totaltimebz.com to register earlier than October 10th.  

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