WelcomeWelcome to ancient Olympia, a unique destination which offers to all sports, run & history lovers the opportunity to enjoy running around the ancient stadium of Olympia and in the streets of the Olympia territoty, where the enduring symbols of a glorious history are visible. What4 day vacations (Thursday to Sunday) in Olympia area.WhereAncient Olympia, Western PeloponneseWhenThe Run Stay Enjoy Olympia takes place every weekend from 5th of Septmber to 27th of November 2019WhyBecause it is the best way to combine running in a beautiful route and exploring one of the most interesting, exciting and historic destinations of the world. Guests will have the chance to visit the Ancient Stadium, the Temple of Hera, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one the most important museums of Greece, and admire the ivory-gold Statue of Zeus made by Phidias which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Moreover, Olympians Run Series is a tribute toi the Olympic Games! Join the Olympians Run and run with the Olympians!
HowSelect one of our Travel Offers to secure your place to the event and enjoy hotel accommodation and other services in unbeatable prices.
If you do prefer to book on your own use our Stay! service and find your prefered type of accommodation. Use our flight service to find the best possible flights to Greece, our car rental service ot rent a car or our Tours site to find the best tours in the area.
Shop Authentic Marathon gear and be an authentic runner! We are looking forward to running with you!
Happy runs!
You can start scheduling your trip by finding cheap flights to Greece here:
We have also select for you the best possible ferry tickets to the Greek islands!
Inspired by the Athens Marathon The Authentic, the first marathon ever, we have introduced the authentic Athens Marathon The Authentic collection that you can find here!
Are you a runner? Be an authentic runner!
Date
05-08 September 2019
The participation includes the following benefits:
- Electronic timer (official time and place)
- Participation diploma
- Commemorative Medal for participation
- Commemorative t-shirt
- Race bag
Deadline registration
Registration is open until 01of September 2019. Participation can be obtained via online registration.
Health Coverage
In any case all runners participate solely at their own risk. The organizers have no responsibility for whatever happens to the runners related to health issues or is due to lack of preventive medical check. It is highly recommended that the participants undergo a thorough medical examination before entering the race. The organizers will not ask for medical certificates from any athlete (male and female), since they all participate at their own exclusive risk and responsibility (children are at the liability of their parents or guardians). We will also provide offers for special health checkup for all runners, and members of their families.
Electronic Timing
All participants will be timed by a timing company using an electronic timing system. For this reason, the runners must wear the timing chip they will receive from the registration center together with the participation number.
Attention: Your time will not be registered and will not be included in the results if you do not have the timing chip attached to your shoe and not pass over the timing mats.
Aid Stations
Along the Half Marathon and 5Km route as well as at the finish line there will be Aid stations to support the runners. Every 1km will be numbered marking the route.
Awards
Medal Awards (medals and certificates) will be awarded to the first three winners of each race for both Men and Women. Commemorative cup will be awarded only to the first Man and the first Woman winner of each race. Commemorative medals and electronic participation diploma will be given to all the runners who finish the race.
Simple Running Offer: from €45 » BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to come to Olympia on their own and join the "Olympians Run International 2019”. The Simple Running offer includes the race registration and much more...
It includes- your registration to the race and all the logistics of the race entry- running t-shirt- swag bag- special RunninGreece starting pack- safekeeping of your belonging during the race- much more like tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targetsThis offer is addressed to those who wish to come and stay in Olympia on their own. It includes all the logistics of the race entry, transportation to and from the starting line, tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targets and safekeeping of your belonging during the race. If you really want to feel like a champion, we are here to support you!
Running Offer #1: from € 130 per person» BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to experience Olympia the “running way”, and get the most out of their visit to Olympia. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan.
It includes:- hotel arrangements for 2 nights in Olympia in a 4star or equivalent hotel- your registration to the race and all the logistics of the race entry- technical running t-shirt- swag bag- special RunninGreece starting pack- safekeeping of your belonging during the race- much more like tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targetsIt starts from €130 per person (runner or not) for accommodation in a 4star or equivalent hotel.
If you wish to stay longer in Olympia, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €50 per night person.
Running Offer #2: from € 250 per person» BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to experience Olympians Run International in Olympia, and get the most out of their visit to Olympia. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan.It includes:- hotel arrangements for 4 nights in Olympia in a 4star or equivalent hotel- registration to the race and all the logistics of the race entry- technical running t-shirt- swag bag- special RunninGreece starting pack- safekeeping of your belonging during the race- much more like tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targetsIt starts from €250 per person (runner or not) for 4 nights accommodation in a 4star or equivalent hotel.
If you wish to stay longer in Olympia, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €50 per night person.
Running Offer #3 The Athens-Olympia Experience: from € 290 per person» BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to experience Olympians Run International in Olympia, and get the most out of their visit to Greece. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan.
It includes:
- Hotel arrangements for 2 nights in Athens in 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
- hotel arrangements for 2 nights in Olympia in a 4 star hotel
(We offer a variety of hotel options such as Miranda Hotel, Orloff Hotel, Four Seasons hotel and more)
- transportation to/from Hydra from/to Piraeus port
- registration to the race and all the logistics of the race entry
- technical running t-shirt
- swag bag
- special RunninGreece starting pack
- safekeeping of your belonging during the race
- much more like tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targets
It starts from €290 per person (runner or not) per for accommodation in a 4star or equivalent hotel. If you wish to stay longer in Hydra, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €50 per night person.
Running Offer #4 The RunninGreece Experience: from € 550 per person» BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to experience Hydra Trail Race, and get the most out of their visit to Hydra. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan.
It includes:
- Hotel arrangements for 4 nights in Athens in 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
- hotel arrangements for 4 nights in Olympia in a 4-star hotel
(we offer a variety of hotels for you to select)
- transportation to/from Hydra from/to Piraeus port
- registration to the race and all the logistics of the race entry
- technical running t-shirt
- swag bag
- special RunninGreece starting pack
- safekeeping of your belonging during the race
- much more like tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targets
It starts from € 550 per person (runner or not) per for accommodation in a 4star or equivalent hotel. If you wish to stay longer in Hydra, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €50 per night person.
Special Running Offer » Get a Custom Quote
Please tell us all your requirements and preferences, how many days you want to spend in Athens and Hydra, what other places you wish to visit, activities that you would like to book, and we will come back with a tailor-made offer specifically for you! We can add training, running tours, car/bike rental, excursions, family activities and many more. We will also offer you the best possible the hotel arrangement, transportation to and from your hotel, participation to any event and all the logistics of the event registration, tips and advice for the specific race, training schedule depending on your personal targets, and suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Athens.
Group Running Offer » Get a Custom Quote
If you are a group, a running club, a team or a company, please tell us all your requirements, activities that you wish to join, the objective of your trip, what you like and what you do not like and we will come back with a tailor-made offer specifically for you and your company!
We do have strong experience working with running clubs, athletics teams, running camps, corporate meeting, wellness and sports camps and more.
Let us do this great running event an opportunity for something meaningful and big for your company or team!
Explore all accommodation options!In Travel Offers we have handpicked our favorite locations, destinations, and activities to make this trip an unforgettable experience to you. However, we understand that you might want to make your own search and selection. This is why we have gathered in one place all available accommodation options from all different providers. From 5 star hotels to Airbnb small apartments you can find everything here.Please be reminded that in all our Travel Offers event registration is either included or complimentary. However, if you book through this service you still need to register for the event selecting our Simple Running Offer option.Of course, you can still use our service even if you do not participate in an event or register through another service.
Either you select one of the above options or one of the Travel Offers we have prepared for you our team is here to support you. Please be reminded that we can also help you with activities, tours and more.Whatever your choice of traveling or accommodation we are here to support you.
You can also find the best cheap flights to Greece here:We have also select for you the best possible ferry tickets to Syros and the Greek islands!
In the western Peloponnese, in the "Valley of Gods", lie the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the most important athletic mega-event of all times; the Olympic Games. Olympia is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, and one of the most powerful brand names worldwide.
Olympia is situated in an area surrounded by hills and mountains in such a way that they provide a very peculiar and interesting background to this ancient spot. It is located at the intersection of two rivers, the Alpheus and the Kladeos, Olympia had a mix of religious and athletic facilities. Olympia is easily accessible from other areas of interest of Greece. It is less than 4 hours away from Athens and only 1 hour from Patras port, or Kalamata airport.
Discovering the ancient city of Olympia, its antique statues and ruins can be one of the most memorable experiences tourists may have while exploring the Peloponnese. Also, the modern city of Olympia is a collection of tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and a historical museum of the Olympic Games.
Olympia is easily accessible from other areas of interest of Greece. It is less than 4 hours away from Olympia and only 1 hour from Patra’s port, or Kalamata airport. Olympia can also become your base for your ventures to the border region. It is only 33km from Katako’s port and village, 30km from the Temple of Apollo Epikourios, 30km from the Temple of Aphrodite, 57km from Ancient Ilida, 60km from Chlemoutsi Castle and many others.
Visiting the city of Olympia will become one of the most memorable experiences you can ever have in Greece.
In western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it sprawls over the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush, green landscape. Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honour Zeus. The origin of the cult and of the festival went back many centuries. Local myths concerning the famous Pelops, the first ruler of the region, and the river Alpheios, betray the close ties between the sanctuary and both the East and West.
The earliest finds in Olympia are located on the southern foot of Mount Kronios, where the first sanctuaries and prehistoric cults were established. A large number of pottery sherds of the Final Neolithic period (fourth millennium BC) were found on the north bank of the stadium. Traces of occupation of the three periods of the Bronze Age were identified in the greater area of the Altis and new museum. A great tumulus of the Early Helladic II period (2800-2300 BC) was discovered in the lower strata of the Pelopion, while several apsidal structures belong to the Early Helladic III period (2150-2000 BC). It is traditionally believed that in approximately 1200 BC the region of Olympia was settled by Aetolians under the leadership of Oxylos, who founded the state of Elis. The first planned sanctuary dedicated to local and Pan-Hellenic deities was probably established towards the end of the Mycenaean period. The Altis, the sacred enclosure with its shady oaks, planes, pines, poplars and olive-trees, was first formed during the tenth and ninth centuries BC, when the cult of Zeus was probably established. Olympia was subsequently devoted exclusively to worship and for many centuries had no other structures except for the Altis, a walled precinct containing sacrificial altars and the tumulus of the Pelopion. The numerous votive offerings, mostly figurines, bronze cauldrons and tripods were placed outdoors, on trees and altars. The first figurines representing Zeus, the master of the sanctuary, date to the Geometric period.
The archaeological site of Olympia includes the sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings erected around it, such as athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings and other lay buildings and monuments. The Altis, the sacred enclosure and core of the sanctuary, with its temples, cult buildings and treasuries, occupies the centre of the site. It is surrounded by a peribolos, or enclosure wall, which in the late fourth century BC had three gates on its west side and two on the south, and is bordered on the east by the Echo Stoa, which separates the sacred precinct from the stadium. The enclosure wall was extended in Roman times and two monumental entrances were created on its west side.
The Classical Temple of Zeus and the earlier Temple of Hera dominate the Altis. East of the Heraion is the Metro?n, a temple dedicated to Cybele, the mother of the gods, and behind this, on the foot of Mount Kronios, a row of treasuries dedicated by Greek cities and colonies. To their west lies the Nymphaion, a splendid fountain dedicated by Herodes Atticus. South of the Heraion and over the remains of the prehistoric settlement of Olympia is the Pelopion, a funerary monument commemorating the hero Pelops. Also within the Altis are the Prytaneion, the see of the sanctuary officials, and the Philippeion, an elegant circular building dedicated by Philip II, king of Macedon. Southeast of the Heraion was the great altar of Zeus, a most important monument entirely made of ashes and therefore now completely lost. The remaining space inside the Altis was filled with numerous altars and statues of gods, heroes and Olympic winners dedicated by Greek cities or wealthy individuals, such as the Nike of Paionios.
Outside the sacred precinct of the Altis, to its south, are the Bouleutherion and the South Stoa, the southernmost building of the greater sanctuary and its main entrance from the south. West of the Altis and separated from it by the Sacred Road is a series of buildings for the sanctuary personnel, the athletes and the distinguished visitors: the gymnasium and palaestra, exercise grounds, the Workshop of Pheidias which in Late Antiquity was transformed into a Christian church, the Greek baths with their swimming pool, the Roman hot baths, the Theokoleion or priests' residence, the Leonidaion or officials' quarters, and the Roman hostels.
East of the Altis lies the stadium where the Olympic Games were held. South of the stadium was the hippodrome, of which no trace remains as it was swept away by the Alpheios. South of the hippodrome is a group of mansions and baths, including the famous House of Nero, built by the emperor for his stay at Olympia during his participation in the games.
