The Maya Challenge 2007

Rob Howard / 07.12.2006

A new stage race has been launched in Guatelmala under the title of The Maya Challenge.

The race will have a jungle setting, using ancient Mayan archaeological sites as a setting, and starting with a traditional Mayan ballgame, which was used at important ceremonies, and will open the Mayan Challenge.

The race will have a staged format over 5 days from Oct. 23-27th and its inauguration will take place in the Central Plaza of Tikal, with stages taking place in the dense surrounding jungle. Teams can consist of from 2 to 5 competitors.

The race will begin with a half marathon through the Tikal National Park to the archaeological site of Uaxactún. The 25km trekking stage will start from there to the next campsite and continue on day 2 to the archaeological site of Dos Lagunas where the first phase of the mountain bike event will begin, finishing back at Uaxactún

On day 3 the second phase of the mountain bike event will visit the sites of Nakum and Yaxhá and finish in the community of El Remate after 124 kilometres of riding. On Day 4 the 2 kilometer swimwill take place in Lake Petén Itza and the third phase of the mountain bike event (95 kilometers) will start from El Remate and finish at the frontier town of Sayaxché. On Day 5 the rapelling event will take place in the archaeological site of Aguateca in the canyons that divide the outskirts of the city from the center.

Then at the end of Day 5 the finale of the event will take place on the island city of Flores where the prizes and trophies will be awarded as follows:

1st Place: $ 20,000.00
2nd Place: $ 10,000.00
3rd Place: $ 5,000.00

For more information see www.mayachallenge.com