Inaugural Splash Marathon and Relay Half Marathon a Success!

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.

Seine Bight Running Club members take group shot after completing the Splash event.

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 to make the full 13.1 miles of a half marathon, or just because a team effort is always fun, Patty introduced a relay to this race! Four runners (or two or three) were on a team, each running about 3.3 miles (about a 5K). This shorter running distance also opened up the opportunity for youth runners whose legs are not quite ready for the long distances.

Runners from up and down the Peninsula competed, along with some elite runners from both Belize and 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 even with some rain drops still in the air and some mud on the course the race went on!!

At the starting point at Splash Dive Center, the runners gathered, getting ready to run and putting on their bibs. For some first time racers putting on the bibs is a right of passage and the kids, especially, were so excited! The course went from the Splash headquarters across from Chabil Mar to the heart of Placencia Village by the sports field, to the Point then up the sidewalk back to Splash. Each member of the relay team did that circuit once and then passed the baton to the next runner on the team. The full half marathoners had to complete the circuit four times!

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, two more Young Runners for Life races in the second half of the year, the Swan Villa 5K/10K in November and finally finishing with the End of the World Marathon and Half Marathon in December! That's a lot of running for one small Peninsula!

As with all the races that are generously supported by sponsors, volunteers and enthusiastic participants, many, many thanks to all! Without the organizers, timers, water station people and safety support people there could be no race. Thanks to Dan Edwards and his team of personal support for making this a well organized, supported and safe race. See everyone at the next race! ▪