The Mayakoba PlayaFest Challenge: Yoga + 5k + SUP Race
The morning of Saturday, September 3 started off bright, with the sun shining down on the Caribbean Sea. The sound of small but strong waves hitting the shore mingled with the chit-chat of athletes and casual participants gathering for a day of challenges on the beach at the Fairmont Mayakoba resort near Playa del Carmen. The second day of the Mayakoba PlayaFest was under way, with the 3-part PlayaFest Challenge taking up the better part of the morning.
Jessica Cichra began the PlayaFest Challenge by leading nearly 30 participants in a sunrise yoga session on the beach. As the founder of Waves of Wellness, Jessica teaches how to combine a fun-filled lifestyle with wellbeing, specializing in SUP (stand up paddleboarding) and yoga.
Yoga images by Mayakoba
The next part of the PlayaFest Challenge was the 5k race, beginning right on the beach, continuing through the Mayakoba’s Cameleon Golf Course, and ending right back where it started with event organizers, brand models and some press waiting at the finish line. Participants didn’t have much time to rest before the Stand Up Paddle race began, taking a few minutes to rehydrate and line up with their paddleboards. With a mix of SUP beginners and seasoned experts, the competitors faced the waves of the Caribbean paddling for 3 km! For those who haven’t tried this new sport before, it’s considered as one of the most challenging sports to begin, requiring a good sense of balance as well as physical condition.
With the Mayakoba PlayaFest Challenge complete, the resort hosted a beautiful lunch created by Chef Kori Sutton at the stunning oceanfront restaurant Brisas, featuring pulled pork sliders, fried calamari, BBQ ribs and more for a flavorful culinary experience.
The rest of the afternoon consisted of activities organized by AquaWorld in the pool and beach areas, followed by the Mayakoba PlayaFest closing dinner at El Pueblito, a gorgeous outdoor event area styled after a traditional Mexican town square.
Huge thanks to the resorts at Mayakoba for hosting such a lovely sports and cuisine event! Mayakoba frequently offers amazing events for hotel guests and locals alike, such as PlayaFest, free outdoor movie nights, the OHL Classic golf tournament, Farmer’s Markets, and the new Riviera Maya Beer & Street Food Fest coming up this October 22, 2016.