The International Mountain Race Psiloritis is a unique mountain endurance sporting experience and adventure that traces the footsteps of Minoan pilgrims who ran to the summit of Crete’s tallest mountain, to honor the god Zeus.
Coming up June 3rd, the International Mountain Race Psiloritis challenges the mountain racers to run in the footsteps of the gods. The 9th annual endurance challenge is an international competition as unique as the Cretan landscapes runners will conquer.
The International Mountain Race Psiloritis is a unique mountain endurance sporting experience and adventure that traces the footsteps of Minoan pilgrims who ran to the summit of Crete’s tallest mountain, to honor the god Zeus. Open to men and women 18 or older, the main race covers 35-kilometers of challenging terrain. The setting is unparalleled for many reasons, but especially because most of the race overlooks the land where Zeus and other immortals played.
Competitors for Race Psiloritis 2018 must have competed in prior trail or asphalt races before. The challenge is recommended only for experienced racers on account of the rugged terrain of Mt. Psiloritis (Mt. Ida), Crete’s tallest mountain (8,057 feet) and the peak with the highest topographic prominence in Greece.
This year’s theme, “Run in the Steps of Zeus” reflects the epic spirit that lives on Crete island.
The main running event will start the morning of June 3rd on the Nida Plateau in Anogia, and wind up at the top of Psiloritis (2,456 meters). According to the organizers, there will be six age categories as follows: 18 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, and 60 and over. The below general characteristics further should be helpful to interested competitors:
Start Time of the 35K Race: 07.30 am.
Ascent Altitude difference: 1654m
Descent altitude difference: 2342m
Difficulty level: Experienced only
Finishing time limit: 7 hours
There’s also an 8.5K Race that starts at “Platania Amariou” and winds through olive groves and vineyards to reach the historic center of Amari in Kouroutes Fourfouras. Younger kids can also take part in a 2k race, along with many other associated events.
The deadline for registration is May 19th, but for more information and detail, please call +30 6978 524 433 Or email: info@runningreece.com. Interested racers and for Race Psiloritis 2018 should register by May 19th on the race organizer's dedicated website.
