Fuego y Agua 100

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Fuego y Agua 100 is an extremely challenging 100 kilometer ultramarathon on Isla de Ometepe in Nicaragua. The race is a single loop encompassing most of the island that involves the ascent and descent of both volcanoes. Because of the volcanoes, the island holds several microclimates of jungle, dry tropics, tropical beach, and cloud forest. The race course winds through rough single track, dirt road and sand beaches as it passes in and out of towns, villages, coffee, cacao and banana plantations, cloud forest, jungle, craters, and white sand beaches.

The inaugural event for Fuego y Agua 100 will be held on December 13, 2009.

[edit] Fuego Y Agua 100 Mission Statement

The mission of the Fuego y Agua 100k (FA100k) is to bring responsible ecotourism to Isla de Ometepe in the form of a challenging and exciting ultramarathon race. Our purpose for the race is to bring an event that gives back to the island without taking anything more than beautiful memories and experiences.

By using local guides, local food preparation, locally owned hotels and businesses, to name just a few, Fuego y Agua 100 will help boost the local economy and promote sustainable events on the island. Finishers medals and winners prizes are locally crafted by island artisans. Through affiliations with established island organizations, proceeds from Fuego y Agua 100k will go toward supporting agricultural cooperatives and medical clinics on the island. Donations from the event will also go toward the preservation of the National Parks in which the volcanoes are located.

Isla de Ometepe is a unique place where agriculture and tourism intermingle in a paradisiacal environment. Many locals are very grateful for tourism because of the potential it holds for the economy. However some of them have mixed feelings about what tourism could mean for the future of their home. Not all tourism is good for the island; many times tourism brings big business and a negative impact on the local economy.

[edit] Fuego y Agua International

Fuego y Agua 100 is the first event for what is to become Fuego y Agua International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to responsible ecotourism through ultra events in Central America and Mexico. Fuego y Agua International will lend through microfinance organization [Kiva] and sponsor multiple Fair Trade and health projects throughout Central America and Mexico.