Marathon Heads South

And so welcome back to this year's Reindeer Games! Today, the Around the World Marathon continues as the famous reindeer race through Central and South America.

Yesterday, our great eight reindeer took off from the North Pole and headed over the many cities and towns of Canada and the United States. Today, we move south to Mexico and beyond.

“This is some race,” said Rudolph, following closely from the North Pole on his Elfian GPS system. “The reindeer are making their way around the world in very good time. Santa will be pleased."

Indeed, Santa is more than happy with the race, which is good preparation for the big run in a few weeks on Christmas Eve. And as the reindeer fly over Mexico and Central America, they are within sight of some interesting history, too -- the ruins of the great Mayan civilization.

Many years ago, the Mayans were known for their writing, as well as their many accomplishments in art, architecture, mathematics and astronomy.

The Mayans lived near what is today Honduras, Guatemala, Northern El Salvador and as far north as central Mexico.

The Maya peoples never disappeared, and today, the Maya and their many descendants continue a distinctive set of traditions and beliefs. Many Mayan languages are still spoken today.

As the reindeer head south, they are passing over even more countries of Central America, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, before heading in South America.

Colombia is the first, followed by Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina, and then Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil and finally the smaller nations of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

“So many great countries and interesting places,” said Rudolph. “The reindeer are having a fun time today.”

The Marathon is the fourth event of a very exciting Reindeer Games. And don’t forget, following the Around-the-World Marathon, the reindeer will be showing their skills in Figure Skating, Speed Skating, the Obstacle Course and the Snowboarding events.

Check back tomorrow for the final day of the Marathon!