Come join the annual End of the World Marathon in Placencia, Belize. Come for the run and stay for the fun in a Caribbean wonderland of beautiful beaches, mystical Mayan temples, spectacular caves, pristine rain forests, and the second largest barrier reef in the world. Why the name End of …
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Come join the annual End of the World Marathon in Placencia, Belize. Come for the run and stay for the fun in a Caribbean wonderland of beautiful beaches, mystical Mayan temples, spectacular caves, pristine rain forests, and the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Why the name End of the World Marathon?
The first Placencia Marathon & Half Marathon was held in December of 2012, days before the end of the Mayan Calendar on December 21, 2012. That date, often referred to as the “End of the World” was especially significant in Belize where the Mayans have lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
The Mayan calendar began on a date corresponding to 3114 BC and the earliest artifacts of Mayan culture discovered in Cuello, Belize have been carbon dated to about 2600 BC.
Although the world did not end in 2012, we retained the name “End of the World Marathon” in honor of the distinguished writer Aldous Huxley, who wrote in 1934 about Belize ‘If the world had any ends, British Honduras would certainly be one of them.’
All proceeds raised from the marathon go towards high school, University, and Trade School Scholarships for Belizean youth.
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Humid!
The race starts early-- 5 or 6 am, I can't remember-- to beat the heat. And boy do you need it! It gets so hot and humid!! The course is … MORE
The race starts early– 5 or 6 am, I can’t remember– to beat the heat. And boy do you need it! It gets so hot and humid!! The course is an out and back for the full distance, and halfers are bussed to the start. I “raced” the half at an easy pace to just have fun and I had an absolute blast! Some of the water stations went all out with costumes and props and just made the experience very fun. I came in third in my age group, and was able to bring back a trophy as a souvenir! Fun!! It was a humbling honor to be part of this race in beautiful Placencia, Belize. If you’re considering this race, be sure to note the sign up deadline!
A very special race and unique race!
End of World Marathon is a race in Placencia / Belize. Placencia is a small village at the beach 30 min flight from Belize City (very small aircraft). Runners have … MORE
End of World Marathon is a race in Placencia / Belize. Placencia is a small village at the beach 30 min flight from Belize City (very small aircraft). Runners have the choice between 42k or 21k. It´s a very small race and it´s organized by Americans with so much love. Race Package pick up takes place on Saturday in the afternoon in a beach hotel followed by a pasta party. The package include the bib and a cotton T-Shirt. Race start is the next morning at 5.30 am for both distances. Half marathon runners are taken to the start 21km north of Placencia by busses at 4 am. Marathon runners start in Placencia and run 21 km to the north to the point where half marathon runners start and then all the way back. Water is provided VERY frequently and the volunteers are really great, some of them were wearing costumes. At some aid stations also coconut juice and bananas/oranges are provided. Start and finish lines are just painted on the street and time measurement is done manually. Atmosphere at the finsih is great as all the organizers are waiting and cheering for the runners. All runners get a beautiful medal and a fresh cold coconut at the finish and the first three of all age groups get a trophy. I was very surprised to become 2nd in my age group – my first ever trophy!!! The only thing that was disgusting were all the flies at the beginning of the race that flew into my mouth. As soon as it was light enough the flies disappeared. I can really recommend that race even though I did not like the beach of Placencia too much.