Zagori Mountain Running 2024
Zagori Mountain Running 2024
Zagori Mountain Running, the largest trail running event in the country, returns more refreshed than ever, full of challenges, for its 13th year “in the place behind the mountain,” in Zagori, on July 19-21, 2024.
Tymfi’s 7 Summits
Mountains are a significant element of human life, and the mountain races in Zagori, which started in 2011, gather thousands of visitors and top athletes from Greece and abroad every year.
Their peaks symbolize human persistence and will, as well as a unique sense of freedom.
The 13th Zagori Mountain Running invites us to discover the magical landscape of Tymfi, one of the most impressive mountain complexes in Greece, through its 7 most iconic peaks.
Within its boundaries lies the Vikos-Aoos National Park, a protected Natura 2000 habitat, an area with rare flora and fauna, the Vikos Gorge, the Aoos Gorge, and a series of unique picturesque villages of Zagori, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area has been named “Park of the Great Peaks” due to its many steep and high peaks, with the highest being Gamila (2497m).
The poster of the 13th Zagori Mountain Running is inspired by Tymfi and its 7 most iconic peaks: Gamila, Astraka, Ploskos, Karteros, Megala Litharia, Tsouka Rossa, Gkoura, trying to capture, even a little, the magic and grandeur of this unique place.
6+1 Unique Route Packages
This year’s event promises new thrills and experiences through newly marked routes.
Always with respect for the environment, it has created new challenges for runners of all ages and abilities.
Specifically, it offers 6+1 unique route packages for each runner to choose the challenge that suits them best:
– Challenge (60+33km): For the first time in 2024, the Challenge race will be held, which is essentially the combination of 2 races: the TeRA (60km) and the Zagori Classic Race (33km). It was created for all those athletes who want to face the challenge of running 2 races back-to-back, surpassing their personal limits!
– TeRA (60km): The TeRA is a 60km mountain running race with a positive altitude difference of close to 4,000 meters. It is the top race of Zagori Mountain Running and returns this year more demanding than ever. The start is at 05:00, and participants have a 15-hour time limit to complete it, with an intermediate cut-off time.
– Zagori Classic Race (33km): In an adventure full of challenge and beauty, the new 33km route with 2,100 meters of positive altitude difference is an incredible opportunity to discover your limits and enjoy the beauty of the mountainous landscape. This unique route passes through many villages, stairs & bridges of Zagori.
– Half Marathon (21km): This year’s HALF MARATHON 21km of Zagori Mountain Running changes day and time and returns renewed. If you haven’t tried this experience yet, it is worth signing up for this race this year. A unique route that crosses traditional villages and bridges like Hatsios, Kokkoro, and Tritoxo.
– Forest (10km): The Forest 10km race is one of the most beautiful choice races in this year’s Zagori Mountain Running as it is not only an opportunity for participants to run in a unique forest landscape but also an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of forests and the need to maintain the balance between human activity and nature. It features +430 meters of altitude and views of the unique Vikos Gorge.
– Fun (5km): A circular route (+240 meters of positive altitude), of moderate difficulty, ideal for all those who want to start their involvement with mountain running.
– And of course, the favorite race of the young friends ZAGORAKI, with the support of Natural Mineral Water ZAGORI, could not be missing.
The event is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.
Major sponsors are Natural Mineral Water ZAGORI, The North Face, Fifth Element.
Sponsor is JEEP AUTOLINEA Ioannina. Official Supporters are NOMAD Premium Greek Honey, Melissa, WE FIT Neversecond Gold Nutrition, PINDOS, Costa Coffee, Dole, Yfantis, Green Cola, Igloo, APU, Agrino, DODONI, Buff, Polo, RACE FACTORY, Ostracon, Sb Editions, DESOCKS, NEUBRIA, BLIZZ, Astraka Refuge.
Organizer of Zagori Mountain Running is My Adventure with Co-organizers the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Zagori.
Institutional supporters are the Northern Pindos National Park and the Vikos-Aoos Geopark.
Text & Photo Credits: My adventure
