Traditions & Events

The University of Belize is turning 25, and we’re celebrating in spectacular fashion! This milestone anniversary will be the highlight of the year, filled with unforgettable events, special announcements, and exciting surprises that you won’t want to miss. From campus-wide celebrations to new initiatives that will shape UB’s future, there’s so much in store. Stay tuned and be part of this historic moment as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to an even brighter future together.

Our first celebration will be taking place on August 25th. You won't want to miss it!

In 1977, Belize Technical College (BTC) student and athlete Dudley Marshall developed a creative idea for a fundraiser. Inspired by his calculus lessons, he proposed a race between male and female runners starting from different towns, predicting they would intersect around Mile 2 on the Western Highway. The concept gained support from lecturer Vernon Card, who helped present it to BTC’s sports committee. Impressed, they approved the event as an annual fundraiser, moving away from the usual walk-a-thons.

The first race was held on March 9, 1978, with Card coining the name “Relathon” (a blend of “relay” and “marathon”). Students, teachers, and businesses rallied behind the event, raising funds for a basketball court. Radio Belize broadcast updates with help from the Belize Telecommunication Authority, adding drama when coverage was interrupted mid-race, until Ham Radio reports confirmed Marshall’s hypothesis: the boys caught the girls at Mile 2.

Rules were kept simple: each team fielded a runner per mile, with boys allowed one exchange and girls two exchanges per mile, and a total of 10 changes each. Over time, the rules evolved and preparations grew more formal, especially for the female team. The tradition has endured, with the girls winning 19 times and the boys 18.

In 2013, the Dudley Marshall Cup was introduced to honor Marshall’s contribution and support, and the event was also dedicated to the memory of Steve Wright, an early participant and BTC staff member.

Now held under the University of Belize (UB) banner, after the 2000 merger of BTC and four other institutions, the Relathon remains a proud tradition that celebrates UB’s history, creativity, and community spirit.

Our participation in the La Ruta Maya river challenge began in one of the five institutions that became the University of Belize (UB) – the University College of Belize (UCB) with male and co-ed teams. This tradition has continued with UB. From 2000 to 2002, the team paddled in the environmental category since there was no intramural category. In 2003 the Canoe Association of Belize introduced the intramural category which was designed specifically for student athletes.

The UB Black Jaguars won this category from 2005 until 2008. Indeed, in 2008 UB fielded two male teams: one from the Belmopan Campus and one from the Punta Gorda Campus. They placed first and second respectively. Female teams and co-ed teams have also participated over the years. Since 2000, there has always been a Black Jaguars team in the La Ruta Maya river challenge.

The teams have also participated in a few small races namely: Upstream Manatee Lookout to Burrell Boom, Tacos Race in Orange walk, and Burrell Boom to Belize City which is one of the races won numerous times by both male and female teams.

It would be remiss not to mention that throughout the years of La Ruta Maya participation Koop Sheet Metals has been our Black Jaguars sponsor. Thank you, Koop Sheet Metals.

The University of Belize’s Annual Job Fair is one of the most anticipated events on the student calendar, serving as a powerful bridge between academic preparation and professional opportunity. Organized by the Department of Student Affairs, the fair is designed to help all Black Jaguars prepare for the workforce or entrepreneurial ventures by directly connecting them with leading employers, industry experts, and organizations.

Preparation for the fair begins well before the event itself. Students are supported through workshops and coaching in resume writing and interview skills. These resources ensure that when they step onto the fair floor, they are confident, polished, and ready to make a lasting impression on potential employers. The focus is not only on helping students secure their first job but also on equipping them with the tools to pursue lifelong career success.

On the day of the event, the UB campus becomes a hub of networking and recruitment. A wide range of organizations participate, including Westrac, Bowen & Bowen, Santander Sugar Group, Central Bank of Belize, Social Security Board, the Institute of Archaeology, the European Union, and the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, alongside numerous other private companies, NGOs, and government agencies. Employers showcase job opportunities, conduct interviews, and often make on-the-spot hires, giving students a direct pathway to launch their careers.

The Annual Job Fair reflects UB’s ongoing commitment to student success. For many, it is the first step in building a professional network, securing employment, and beginning a lifelong career journey.

The University of Belize’s Annual Semester Kickoff is a lively tradition that celebrates the start of each new academic year. This signature event brings together students, faculty, and staff to create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the semester ahead.

The Kickoff gives students the chance to explore all that campus life has to offer, from learning about student clubs and organizations to discovering services and resources that support academic and personal growth. It’s also a time to connect with peers, meet faculty, and immerse themselves in the vibrant Black Jaguar spirit.

More than just an orientation, the Annual Semester Kickoff builds community, fosters engagement, and reminds every Jaguar that they are part of something bigger. It’s the perfect way to start strong, get involved, and make the most of the UB experience.

Sports are an exciting part of student life at the University of Belize, bringing the Black Jaguar family together all year long. Our athletes proudly compete in basketball, volleyball, football, and softball, representing UB at both the national and international level, and many times bringing home trophies and championships.

Games and tournaments are held throughout the academic year, creating fun and energetic moments for students, staff, and supporters to come out and cheer on the Black Jaguars. All events are announced on UB’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, so be sure to stay tuned and never miss a match.

Students also have the opportunity to be part of this tradition by trying out for one of UB’s varsity teams. Any Black Jaguar with passion, talent, and determination can earn the chance to compete, represent the university, and create lifelong memories. Joining a team means becoming part of a legacy of athletic excellence and school pride that continues to grow year after year.

Whether you’re in the stands or on the field, Black Jaguar Sports are all about unity, pride, and celebrating the talent and determination of our athletes. Join us at the next game and experience the roar of the Black Jaguars!