Ranger Challenge Marathon at Chiquibul Belize

Ya’axché’s highly trained rangers were victorious in the first ever Chiquibul Challenge Marathon! Rangers Hilberto Rash and Benjamin Cal came in first place and third place respectively. The rangers were joined by over 60 female and male racers in an effort to raise awareness on the threats facing protected areas in Belize.

Leading up to the event, our rangers were busy patrolling the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve, Bladen Nature Reserve and Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve and in training to prepare for the 20K running marathon.

The day before the event, the rangers along with two other staff left the wilderness of southern Belize, travelled to western Belize and camped. At dawn, the ruckus of the beautiful Scarlet Macaws greeted the racers. And off the racers were at sunrise!

The hills and slopes challenged even the most experienced racers. At the finish line, spectators patiently waited for the racers and cheered as Ranger Hilberto Rash appeared. A few moments later the racers would start pouring in. Rangers Hilberto and Benjamin both greeted the crowd with excitement and pride. They spoke of the work that they do in southern Belize – protecting over 151,000-acres of forests.

The rangers were very happy to participate and to win the race – they are already looking forward to next year. Events such as this one empowers the frontline protectors of nature. Ya’axché thanks the amazing friends all over the world for supporting the rangers in the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon. Keep up to date with our work (www.yaaxche.org), facebook (www.facebook.com/yaaxche), and twitter (www.twitter.com/yaaxche).