Welcome
Welcome to the 7th Knossos Cretan Race-“In the footsteps of Minos King”-, which gives the chance to visitors to trace the past under the urban sprawl of the present and enjoy both the sea view and the indisputable beauty of the Cretan landscape.
What
20 km and 5 km
Where
Heraklion, the major city and capital of the largest Greek island of Crete
When
Sunday, 29th of September 2013
Why
Because runners can enjoy an athletic meeting in the land of contrasts and myths, having the opportunity to experience the nature, history and cultural wealth of the island.
How
Contact us and we will make you an unbeatable offer to suit your needs and preferences:
We offer several options varying from short weekend breaks in Heraklionn including your entry to the race, to a full vacation plan in Heraklionn and the surrounding area!
Moreover, we can offer you training plans, actual training in the streets and routes of Heraklionn and of course we will run with you!
For more information and detail please call: +30 6978 524 433
Or email: info[@]runningreece.com
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Happy runs!
Race Date
Sunday, 29th of September 2013
Event Schedule
Start Time: 09.00 am.
Finishing time limit: 3 hours
Distances: 20 km and 5 km
Organizer: The Cretan Marathonrunners Association, the Greek Federation of Mass Sports and ultramarathon, the Region of Crete and Heraklion Municipality
Entry Fee: Your participation to the race is paid and secured by RunninGreece.
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 Friday, 27th of September 2013. Participation can be obtained via online registration.
Route
The starting line is in Heraklion Minoan Palace of Knossos and the finish line in Eleftherias Square in Heraklion
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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.
Awards
An Award Medal will be awarded to each of the first three winners of the general classification for Men and Women Categories and the following age categories. A commemorative medal of participation will be given to all runners who finish the race.
The awarded athletes are described below:
Men
M1: -19 years
M2: 20-29 years
M3: 30-39 years
M4: 40-49 years
M5: 50-59 years
M6: 60 & years above
Women
W1: -19 years
W2: 20-29 years
W3: 30-39 years
W4: 40-49 years
W5: 50-59 years
W6: 60 & years above
Simple Running Offer: from €50 »
BOOK NOWThe Simple offer is addressed to those who wish to come and stay in Heraklion 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 safe keeping of your belonging during the race. If you really want to feel like a champion, we are here to support you!
Running Offer: from €180 »
BOOK NOWThis offer is ideal for those who want to experience Greece the "running way", and get the most out of their visit in Heraklion. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan. It includes the round trip from Heraklion to starting line and the hotel arrangements in Heraklion. It also includes your registration to the race and 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, safe keeping of your belonging during the race, suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Heraklion, and many more! It starts from 180€ per person (runner or not) for a three days/two-nights accommodation in a 4star hotel. If you wish to stay longer, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €60 per night per person.
Special Running Offer »
Get a Custom QuotePlease tell us all your requirements and preferences, how many days you want to spend in Heraklion, what other places you wish to visit and we will come back with a tailor-made offer specific for you! We can add trainings, running tours, car/bike rental, excursions, family activities and many more. In any case our offer will include the hotel arrangements, transportation to and from your hotel, participation to the race and 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, safe keeping of your belonging during the race and suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Heraklion.
Group Running Offer »
Get a Custom QuoteIf you are a group of people, please tell us all your requirements, how many of you are running, what you like and what you do not like and we will come back with a tailor-made offer specific for you and your company! We can add trainings, running tours, car/bike rental, excursions, family activities and many more. In any case our offer will include the hotel arrangements, transportation to and from your hotel, participation to the race and 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, safe keeping of your belonging during the race and suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Heraklion.
Crete’s sense of mystery is extremely deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force branching warmly and beneficiently through his veins and his soul beginning to grow. (Nikos Kazantzakis, Report to Greco)
Crete is the place where myths look like history and history is like a myth. From the distant past to the present day, every place on the island has a short or long story to tell. It is the largest island in Greece and the second largest after Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. Steeped in history and culture, scented by thyme and wild herbs, Crete still has enough paradise to offer with its abundance of myths, legends and history, a breathtaking landscape, an exceptional blend of past and present, and a plentitude of choices.
Dramatic mountain ranges are dotted with caves and sliced by deep gorges, and its rugged interior is blanketed in olive groves, wild flowers and aromatic herbs.
The proud and hospitable Cretan people are famous for its culture, innovative spirit and nutritional habits. Crete combines mountains and magnificent beaches organized or secluded, sandy or pebbled. Tradition is an integral part of the Cretan soul, which thankfully never abandoned its past and serves it on any occasion.
The healthiest cuisine in the world, the Mediterranean, based on the olive oil, wine, cereal, creamery, fruits and vegetables is nothing else, but the Cretan diet. The Cretan diet is not just a variety of dishes laid on the table. It comprises a whole philosophy of life and represents the lifestyle of the Cretan people.
Heraklion lies along the North coast of the island, having to the west at about 80 km the town of Heraklion and at 135 km the city of Hania. To the east are the town of Agios Nikolaos (60km) and Sitia (130km). Strolling along the coastline, the city Wall, or down a park can reveal various historical remains of potentially immense interest to the watchful eye.
The knowledgeable visitor will be able to trace the past under the urban sprawl of the present. The core of the city is still enclosed and defined by the Venetian wall, which includes seven outjutting bastions.
In the southernmost of these, the Martinengo Bastion, is the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis standing on a windswept hilltop with its moving inscription, "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free."
The Prefecture of Heraklion offers a range of activities such as sailing, yachting, hiking, etc. Heraklion's long history and cosmopolitan character is reflected to its rich cultural life throughout the year.
A wealth of cultural events from music & dance recitals to theatrical performances, to lectures, to art exhibitions and much more are hosted in the many private or public places that the city offers. As far as entertainment goes the options are almost unlimited.
There is plenty of restaurants, family taverns, luxury café - snack bars, traditional coffee shops (Kafeneia), music halls with traditional Cretan or Bouzouki (Rebetica songs), discos, small pubs and music bars. Due to its geographic position, mild climate, unique natural environment, archeological sites, museums, and vibrant night life, it is well positioned in becoming a high quality all year holiday destination.
Five km south of Heraklion lies Knossos, one of the most important archeological sites in Europe, the legendary centre of the Minoan civilization from 1900 to 1400 BC.
In Greek mythology, the Palace of Knossos was the residence of the mythical King Minos, the son of Zeus and Europa. King Minos had the legendary artificer Daedalus construct a labyrinth in which to keep his son, the Minotaur, a mythical creature who was half bull and half man.
The labyrinth was designed with such complexity that once someone entered he could not escape. Eventually the creature was killed by Theseus.
Runners will have the chance to enjoy The World Tourism Day that is celebrated by the Regional Unit of Heraklion – Region of Crete with great splendor.
Musical events with the participation of very important performers and bands of Crete, traditional products and popular art fairs with the participation of approx. 300 exhibitors constitute the main activities the period 26th till 29th of September 2013.
At the same time, there is a treat to the visitors of Heraklion at the Archaeological Museum Square: food sampling to get a taste from the renowned Cretan cuisine, with the participation of the local actors of tourism. This year, those days are dedicated to the commemoration anniversary of 100 years from the Union of Crete with Greece.
For more information about Heraklion and the around area, please contact us and we are more than happy to share with you our favorite spots and places...
