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Inaugural Splash Marathon and Relay Half Marathon a Success! half marathoners had to complete the circuit four times!
By PATTY RAMIREZ & WANDA STAKUTIS Organizers, Splash Marathon & Relay Half Marathon patricia@splashbelize.com gregvwandas@gmail.com
On Sunday, Sept. 23 Splash held their first annual Half Marathon and Relay Half Marathon. Founder and sponsor of this race Patricia Ramirez, recognized the need for an additional race to satisfy the love of running so many on the Peninsula have. Moreover, a race is always a good opportunity to raise funds, and in this case, the funds raised went to the Seine Bight Running Club. The Seine Bight Running Club has functioned strictly on donations for the past three years and having been in need of some supplies, this event proved to be a true blessing for the club. This race was open to all and had runners from as young as seven up to age 61! Since many runners, especially the younger set, struggle
The race raised BZ$2,300 which is a huge success for a first time race. Planning is already in process for next year’s race, and we hope there will be at least 150 runners. It was a fun race for a good cause. To see full results go to webscorer.com. The Peninsula racing calendar is now quite active! It starts with two first half year races for youth runners ages nine to 18 in the Young Runners for Life race and then the Battle Cancer five-mile walk/run in June, followed by the Seine Bight Reservoir to Museum 5K race in August the new Splash Half Marathon and Relay Half Marathon in September, Seine Bight Running Club members take group shot after completing the Splash event. two more Young Runners for Life to make the full 13.1 miles of a half even with some rain drops still in the races in the second half of the year, marathon, or just because a team air and some mud on the course the the Swan Villa 5K/10K in November and finally finishing with the End effort is always fun, Patty introduced race went on!! of the World Marathon and Half a relay to this race! Four runners (or two or three) were on a team, each At the starting point at Splash Dive Marathon in December! That's a lot running about 3.3 miles (about a Center, the runners gathered, getting of running for one small Peninsula! 5K). This shorter running distance ready to run and putting on their bibs. also opened up the For some first time racers putting on As with all the races that are generopportunity for youth the bibs is a right of passage and the ously supported by sponsors, volunrunners whose legs kids, especially, were so excited! The teers and enthusiastic participants, are not quite ready for course went from the Splash head- many, many thanks to all! Without quarters across from Chabil Mar to the organizers, timers, water station the long distances. the heart of Placencia Village by the people and safety support people Runners from up and sports field, to the Point then up the there could be no race. Thanks to down the Peninsula sidewalk back to Splash. Each mem- Dan Edwards and his team of percompeted, along with ber of the relay team did that circuit sonal support for making this a well some elite runners once and then passed the baton to organized, supported and safe race. from both Belize and the next runner on the team. The full See everyone at the next race! ▪ Mexico. Over 120 runners registered for the race. As always, with a race or any event here in the rainy season, weather can be an issue. In the early morning there was a severe thunder and lightning storm which delayed the start of the race. But runners can’t be stopped and
Seine Bight Running Club Update
some desperately needed supplies. We are now able to purchase another water jug (the kids go through A As always, many thanks to everyone LOT of water!), some first aid supwho supports our club. Most of the plies and the miscellaneous things kids do not have shoes, so we rely on needed for the races such as fruit, donations for shoes (a constant need ribbons, bibs, pins and water bags. as they wear out or are outgrown). We will also be able to purchase a Thanks to the first annual Splash few other things needed to take the Half Marathon for raising funds for club to the next level. ▪
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