Since its inception in 2012, the End of the World Marathon has become a beloved annual tradition on the Placencia Peninsula. Drawing runners and spectators from around Belize and across the globe, this event, with its curious name and celebratory atmosphere, epitomizes the quirky spirit of Placencia and offers a unique blend of athletic challenge and community comradery. Here’s how rumors of the end of the world got the peninsula running.
Origins of the Name
End of the World Marathon. Image by Belize My Travels (@belizemytravels)
Perhaps you’ll recall that some Doomsdayers were predicting an apocalypse back at the end of 2012. That’s because the ancient Mayan calendar ended on December 21 of that year and certain theorists were holding their breath for the impending cataclysm. But in true, carefree Placencia fashion, villagers commemorated the date with an event that would defy the predictions: a marathon!
The first race was held just days before the anticipated annihilation, and when the 21st passed without incident, the race was named in honor of the day the world didn’t end. The Mayan Calendar is one of the earliest and most significant artifacts of the advanced civilization that thrived for hundreds of years in Mesoamerica and was discovered here in Belize at the Cuello archaeological site. What began as a whimsical nod to a cultural moment quickly evolved into a much anticipated and beloved annual tradition.
The Marathon Experience
Photo by Placencia End of the World Marathon on Facebook
The race is known for its picturesque and pancake-flat route along the Placencia Peninsula’s sole main road, offering runners views of the Caribbean Sea, littoral forest, and quaint communities. But what the EOW race is most renowned for is its enthusiastic spectators and themed water stations staffed by volunteers.
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- Photo by Placencia End of the World Marathon on Facebook
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- Photo by Bill Taylor
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- Photo by Placencia End of the World Marathon on Facebook
Residents and businesses along the road offer participants encouragement and comic relief throughout the 26.2 miles (or 13.1 miles for half marathoners). All proceeds from the race go towards local education and over the past 12 years revenue from the EOW marathon has funded more than 100 four-year high school scholarships, 40 university scholarships, and 30 vocational school scholarships to Belizean youth.
Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun
Photo courtesy of The Belize Collection
December is a wonderful time to visit the peninsula as the marathon is just one component of a month-long celebration. Festivities ramp up for the holiday season so expect the village to be extra merry and bright. Christmas Craft Markets, a Santa-led boat parade, school pageants, and the very popular Mistletoe Ball all occur in December. It is also the time of year when Scarlet Macaws migrate in impressive numbers to the forest surrounding nearby Red Bank Village.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and the prolific hospitality of the peninsula’s people. Take in a cultural demonstration of traditional Garifuna drumming and dance, indulge in a delicious and educational culinary experience, or dive into the crystal-clear water and explore the coral reef just offshore. With so much to see and do you may have to reign yourself in to save some energy for the marathon.
Register to Run
Photo by Placencia End of the World Marathon on Facebook
Whether you’re an avid runner with multiple marathons on the books or a first-timer looking to tackle the challenge in paradise, the End of The World is a race you won’t regret. Visit www.runbelize.org or www.totaltimebz.com to register before October 10th.
Featured Photo by Placencia End of the World Marathon on Facebook
