Coban, Guatemala Run and Build
May 13–23, 2010
Join a crew of runners and committed adventurers for serious fun and important work during a “Run and Build” experience in Coban, Guatemala. Construction skills are not required, but flexibility, good humor and a love of hills are absolute musts. Building a simple, decent home, making new friends and finishing the challenging Coban, Guatemala half-marathon are the goals. Runners of all skill levels are welcome. You can also join the team to cheer and support the runners and participate in the build.
About Guatemala
Guatemala is located in Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean between El Salvador and Mexico and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize. Volcanic peaks, scenic coastlines and a forested mountain interior shape the brilliance of the Guatemalan landscape.
Guatemala is a small country in Central America, with an estimated population of 12.7 million. Guatemala has a tropical climate along the lower elevations and cooler weather in the mountains. The country is full of rich indigenous culture and Spanish traditions. However, Guatemala also has a nearly 80 percent poverty rate and a housing deficit above one million units.
About Habitat for Humanity Guatemala
Since its founding in 1979, Habitat Guatemala has built more than 25,000 houses, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 140,000 Guatemalans in need of stable housing. HFH Guatemala constructs earthquake-resistant houses made with concrete floors, block walls and corrugated zinc roofs. Habitat has a presence in all Guatemala’s departments, working with more than 205 local committees in 260 communities.
For more information, visit www.habitatguate.org.
Types of construction for volunteers
Volunteers will be involved in new construction and repair work. During construction days, the team will be trained in the use of construction tools and the types of housing solutions they are going to be working on. Technical supervisors and masons will be present every day on the work site to guide the construction.
To guarantee the safety of all team members, the national office will provide safety goggles and hard hats, as well as written emergency and evacuation plans at every work site. There will also be portable bathrooms with water and soap and designated resting areas with chairs and drinkable water near every build site.
Standard itinerary
(11-day itinerary)
Day 1, Thursday, May 13: Arrive at airport and greeted by Habitat Guatemala staff; shuttles to hotel in Guatemala City.
Day 2, Friday, May 14: Travel to Coban and participate in local festivities before the marathon.
Day 3, Saturday, May 15: Participate in local festivities for the marathon, prepare to run.
Day 4, Sunday, May 16: Half-marathon.
Day 5, Monday, May 17: Free day.
Day 6, Tuesday, May 18: Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. with lunch on site (During the rainy season or in hot areas, the work days will start earlier.); free time after work to clean up; supper of typical Guatemalan food; time for team activities.
Day 7, Wed, May 19: Work day.
Day 8, Thursday, May 20: Work day.
Day 9, Friday, May 21: Half day on site, goodbye ceremony and travel to Antigua.
Day 10, Saturday, May 22: Free time in Antigua.
Day 11, Sunday, May 23: Departure Day.
Note: Trip includes special events throughout the week, including cultural experiences with affiliate staff, such as traditional dances, market tours, boat rides, walking tour of host city and a farewell ceremony.
Accommodations
Hotels are simple and basic, and typically located near the project site. Guatemala’s climate is humid, and the rooms in some areas may smell a bit musty. Hot water is typically provided; however, the water heating systems may not work as well as in the volunteers’ home countries. In most cases, hotel rooms will be cleaned and maintained daily and are screened for safety.
Trip cost
$1,500
Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant air fare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated air fare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).
Team leader
Mark Scully is a 43-year-old father of two who lives with his wife and children outside of Boston, Massachusetts. A human resources guy by profession, he has led or participated in five other Global Village trips to Guatemala and has completed five marathons—Disney, Toronto, Boston and Reykjavik, Iceland. For more information contact Mark at mascully@me.com.