Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen

With just a few days remaining before the third annual BuyPlaya 5K Spring Race, organizers, parents and local business owners are kicking into high gear for this exciting fundraising event for Ak Lu'um International School. On March 25 at 7:45am, participants will run, walk or stroll the 5 kilometer course leaving from the Parque Leona Vicario, making a loop through the picturesque Playacar resort community and finishing in the historical Parque Fundadores on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.

"We are delighted to support this family event every year," reports Rob Kinnon, Ak Lu'um parent and owner of BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors. "Every year we receive more and more support from fellow Riviera Maya business owners making it possible to provide invaluable educational opportunities to local families and their children." Ak Lu'um is Mexico's first ecological school and an ambitious undertaking. Set on a self-sustaining campus in the jungle outside of the city of Playa del Carmen, Ak Lu'um is successfully integrating education and ecological responsibility. The school has been a labor of love for the teachers, administrators and parents since its inception in 2006 and is the only not-for-profit private school in the region.

Once again, local Riviera Maya businesses have been very generous with their support of this school and the annual race. Title sponsor, BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors, has been joined this year by Latido de Mexico, one of Playa del Carmen's finest property management and vacation rental companies, Terenos Tulum a real estate company on the Riviera Maya and Hot Baking Co. LocoGringo.com and IntheRoo.com, are showing their support again for a second year! Race support and prize donations have also been provided by Agua Paraiso, Aventuras Mayas, Bauer Compressors, Biomilpa, Blue Venado, BRIC Vacation Rentals, Carpe Diem, Comunidad Educativa El Papalote, DAC, Explayarte, Flora, Fauna y Cultura, Friends of Ak Lu'um, FrutiYogurth, FurnitureMex, Hamacamarte, John Gray Restaurant Group, Kaxapa Factory, Mariposas en la Panza, Parque la Ceiba, Playa Fitness Center, Rancho Baaxal, RivieraMaya FM 98.1, Soleil Real Estate, Soleil Solar Solutions, Starbucks, Taste of Playa, Teknobike Playa, The Little Mexican Cooking School, Xaman Ha Aviary, Xcaret and Yoga by the Way. Organizers also acknowledge the continuing support of The Municipal Offices of Solidaridad and Condominio Playacar.

Participants are asked to appear in the Parque Leona Vicario at 6:45am to register and receive their numbers. Registration fees are $200mn per adult participant, $150mn per child and $100mn for each individual participating in a family group. For additional race information including a route map and a complete list of sponsors, visit the official race webpage. All race proceeds will support daily programs and special activities at Ak Lu'um International School in Playa del Carmen.