2025 End Of The World Marathon & Half Marathon
The 2025 End Of The World Marathon & Half Marathon takes place on December 7, 2025, in Placencia, Belize, a picturesque coastal peninsula known for its Caribbean charm and stunning waterfront views. In early December, Placencia experiences warm tropical weather with average temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C), relatively low humidity, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for distance running. Participants can expect a scenic route that winds through Placencia Village, Seine Bight Village, and Maya Beach, offering multiple vistas of the Caribbean Sea and access to water stations throughout the course. This marathon and half marathon event combines athletic challenge with a meaningful purpose, supporting educational opportunities for Belizean youth while honoring the event's unique historical origins.
What is the origin and significance of the "End of the World Marathon" name?
The first Placencia Marathon & Half Marathon was held in December 2012, coinciding with the conclusion of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012. The event name "End of the World Marathon" honors this historical timing and draws inspiration from author Aldous Huxley's 1934 observation that "If the world had any ends, British Honduras would certainly be one of them"—a poetic reference to Belize's remote and scenic peninsula location.
What is the educational mission behind this marathon?
The marathon was created to raise funds for Belizean education, addressing a critical need in the region. In Belize, high school education and beyond require tuition payments that many families cannot afford. The event ensures that children on the Placencia peninsula have the opportunity to continue their education beyond the 8th grade level.
How has the scholarship program expanded since its inception?
The marathon initially partnered with the Placencia Rotary Club High School Scholarship Program. Due to the success of fundraising efforts over the years, the program has expanded significantly to include university scholarships and vocational trade school scholarships alongside high school scholarships.
What impact has the marathon had on Belizean youth over the past 11 years?
Over 11 years of the event, the marathon has funded:
- →More than 100 four-year high school scholarships
- →40 university scholarships
- →30 vocational trade school scholarships
These scholarships have supported Belizean youth who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to study beyond 8th grade.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon: 26.2 miles starting at the football field at the bottom of the Placencia Peninsula
- →Half Marathon: 13.1 miles starting at the marathon turnaround point
What can participants expect along the race courses?
The marathon route runs through Placencia Village, Seine Bight Village, and Maya Beach, then loops back south of Riversdale, providing scenic views of the Caribbean Sea throughout. The half marathon course includes approximately 20 water stations to support runners along the 13.1-mile distance.
What is the event schedule for December 6-7, 2025?
Saturday, December 6, 2025 (at Turtle Inn):
- →12 pm – 6 pm: Packet pick-up
- →5 pm: Pasta dinner available
Sunday, December 7, 2025 (in Placencia Village):
- →5:30 am: Marathon start
- →5:30 am: Half Marathon start
- →11:30 am: Awards ceremony
- →1 pm – midnight: Post-race beach party
What is the cost of the pasta dinner?
- →$15 BZ for Belizeans
- →$15 US for non-Belizeans
The pasta dinner is payable at packet pick-up on Saturday, December 6th.
What activities and amenities are included after the race?
Following the awards ceremony at 11:30 am, participants are invited to a post-race beach party that runs from 1 pm to midnight, offering an opportunity to celebrate and relax after completing the race.