Welcome
Welcome to the "Corfu Mountain Trail 2014" which is taking place in Corfu, a mountainous island with impressive landscapes, dense vegetation, long golden sandy beaches, one of Greece's prettiest towns, many traditional villages, Byzantine churches, several museums, impressive Venetian fortresses and some lively resorts spread all around the island.
What
Mountain trail of 37 km and 17km, hiking route of 5 km and Kids Race of 1000 meters
Where
Corfu, located in the western Ionian Sea, northwest of Athens and close to the west cost of Greece. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands.
When: Sunday, 2nd of February 2014
Why
Participating in “Corfu Marathon” provides a remarkable occasion for runners to run along a beautiful route and also enjoy the greenest of all the Greek islands’ natural beauty hidden under a mantle of emerald green. With its charming landscape of vibrant wildflowers and slender cypresses rising out of shimmering olive groves, it has enchanted visitors throughout the centuries.
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 Corfu including your entry to the race, to a full vacation plan in Corfu and the surrounding area!
Moreover, we can offer you training plans, actual training in the streets and routes of Corfu and of course we will run with you!
For more information and detail please call: +30 6978 524 433
Or email: info[@]www.runningreece.com
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Happy runs!
Race Date: Sunday, 2nd of February 2014
Event Schedule
Mountain trail of 37 km and 17km Start time: 08:00 from the square of the traditional seaside village Benitses
The time limit for completion of the 17 km-race is set to 4 hours and to 8 hours for the 37km-race.
Distances: Mountain trail of 37 km and 17km, hiking route of 5 km and Kids Race of 1000 meters
Organizer: Corfu Mountain Trail
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)
- Commemorative Medal for participation
- Participation diploma
- Commemorative t-shirt
- Race bag
- Coaching seminar the previous day,
- Rehabilitation massage
- Meal after the race with traditional Corfiot cuisine
- Lottery for gifts of sponsors
Deadline registration
Registration is open until Wednesday, 15th of January 2014. The maximum number that the organization can host is 400 people for both running tracks. Order of priority is strictly held. Participation can be obtained via online registration.
Route
Start and Finish Line: The square of the traditional seaside village Benitses, which is situated 10km outside Corfu town
The elevation altitude of the large track (Rain Trail-37km) is 2020 meters and of the small track (Olive Tree Trail-17km) 1000 meters.
Both trails start from the small alleyways of the traditional fishing village of Benitses, continuing along the main seafront road for 3 km. Before reaching the Achilleion Palace a left turn leads onto a rural footpath with a slight incline. After approximately 1km runners encounter rough and slippery terrain and a steep incline as far as the monastery of Saint Paraskevi.
The path continues downhill past the monastery where special care must be given due to the very slippery terrain. After about 1km runners reach the village of Gastouri and running through the alleyways we reach out first stop, the spring of Queen Elisabeth.
The trail for the next 4km continues along a muddy track through ancient olive groves. Entering the village of Agioi Deka we take a right turn and on reaching the village square we find our second stop. The route becomes steep and challenging for the next 2km, however while climbing the old stone trail,participants can enjoy the beautiful view of the western part of the island.
At the end of the path runners turn right and reach the Monastery of Pantokrator, where they take another break. Leaving the monastery behind them they continue on through rough bushes and stony ground, until the path softens and passing through olive groves, reaches the village of Ano Garouna.
The route continues along a muddy road for about 3 km, through more olive groves with very soft ground as far as the 15th km where the trail continues downhill as far as the old aqueduct. Passing the aqueduct the advanced trail continues to the right, whereas the beginners continues on for another 2km in order to reach the finish line back in the village of Benitses.
The advanced trail continues along a muddy track for about 2km as far as the monastery of Saint Paraskevi, where runners stop for a drink.
Continuing on up on a mixture of tarmacked and rough terrain, they reach the village of Stavros. Leaving the village behind them they continue on a muddy track for a further 2km until reaching the monastery of Pantokrator Stavrou. At the monastery they take a right turn and continue along a rocky path for another 3 km which leads them back to the village of Stavros, where runners stop for a snack outside the traditional village bakery.
Passing through the village they reach a crossroad and then follow an asphalt road which leads us just outside the village of Ano Garouna.
Going past the village runners make their way up an old path for about 2km and making a loop they reach a muddy trail which leads them to the end of the 30 km trail at the monastery of Pantokrator, which is the highest point of the route and the last stop.
Making their way back to the finish line, runners follow a downhill rocky path through olive groves which leads them onto a muddy path through a truly spectacular old olive grove dotted with magnificent rock formations. This leads them on to the old aqueduct and a little past that, the finishing line.
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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.
Aid Stations
During the course of the advanced route there are four resting points where fresh water can be provided and a further two stops for food both being at the monastery of saint Pantokrator which will be visited at the 12th and the 28th km of the route. The other resting point is in the village of Stavros, which will be visited at the 20th km. During the short route there are three stops for water supply and one more for food.
Awards
The first place of each categories and each track will get a cup and a medal. Second and third place will receive a medal. All athletes who finish within the time limit receive a memorial medal and a participation diploma.
Categories: Men’s (18-37) born between 1/1/1975 and 3/2/1994, Men’s Veteran (38-57) born 1955-1974 and 58+ (1954+), Women’s (18-39) born 1993-1972, Women’s Veteran (40+) born until 1971.
Equipment
The committee does not require each athlete to carry certain equipment. However is it advisable for both routes and especially the beginners route that each athlete carries the following: a small backpack containing water, windproof jacket, solid food, elastic bandage, whistle, mobile phone, flashlight, some money and a map of the mountain.
Check Points
There are a total of 16 check points during the advanced route and 6 during the short one. Each athlete will be registered by a judge on passing the check point. Any athlete who fails to do so is disqualified. If an athlete follows a different route than the one designated by the committee, he is disqualified from the race.
Simple Running Offer: from €60 »
BOOK NOW
The Simple offer is addressed to those who wish to come and stay in Corfu 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 #1: from €99 »
BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to experience Corfu the "running way", and get the most out of their visit in Corfu. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan. It includes all the transportation from/to the airport/harbor in Corfu to your hotel and the starting line and the hotel arrangements in Corfu. 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, coaching seminar the previous day, rehabilitation massage, a meal after the race with traditional Corfiot cuisine and lottery for gifts of sponsors, suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Corfu, and many more! It starts from €99 per person (runner or not) per night for accommodation in a 3star or equivalent hotel. If you wish to stay longer in Corfu, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €30 per night per person.
Running Offer #2: from €159 »
BOOK NOW
This offer is ideal for those who want to experience Corfu the "running way", and get the most out of their visit in Corfu. We have selected the ideal locations for you, and we will suggest you the ideal vacation plan. It includes the transportation from Athens to Corfu and your hotel and the hotel arrangements in Corfu. 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, coaching seminar the previous day, rehabilitation massage, a meal after the race with traditional Corfiot cuisine and lottery for gifts of sponsors, suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Corfu, and many more! It starts from €159 per person (runner or not) per night for accommodation in a 3star or equivalent hotel. If you wish to stay longer in Corfu, you may add as many nights as you want for an additional €30 per night per person.
Special Running Offer »
Get a Custom Quote
Please tell us all your requirements and preferences, how many days you want to spend in Corfu, 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, coaching seminar the previous day, rehabilitation massage, a meal after the race with traditional Corfiot cuisine and lottery for gifts of sponsors and suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Corfu.
Group Running Offer »
Get a Custom Quote
If 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, coaching seminar the previous day, rehabilitation massage, a meal after the race with traditional Corfiot cuisine and lottery for gifts of sponsors and suggested vacation plan for all the days that you will be in Corfu.
Corfu is among the most beautiful and popular islands of Greece. Due to its strong historical connection with Europe, this was among the first Greek islands to open to tourism. Located on the north western side of the country, Corfu island has a cosmopolitan feeling combined with a special traditional character. Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Kassiopi and Acharavi are nice tourist places on the northern side of the island, while the inland is dotted with lovely villages and many sightseeings. In addition to the wonderful beaches, the highlight of the island is Corfu Old Town with the characteristic Venetian style.
'Corfu town is Venice and Naples, a touch of France and more than a dash of England, apart of course from being Greek'.
In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical "repertoire" came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called "kantoúnia", will make visitors feel as if they’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples.
The nearby island, known as Pontikonisi (Greek meaning "mouse island"), though small is very green with abundant trees, and at its highest natural elevation (excluding its trees or man-made structures, such as the monastery). Pontikonisi is home of the monastery of Pantokrator, it is the white stone staircase of the monastery that when viewed from afar gives the impression of a (mouse) tail which lent the island its name: 'mouse island'. Visitors should not miss this opportunity to tour the Achilleion Palace, built by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria in 1891.
View her breathtaking gardens as well as a spectacular panoramic view of the Ionian Sea. The Achilleion Palace also houses the Terrace of the Muses, which was built as a tribute to the nine muses of Greek mythology.
Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.
Corfu is one of the liveliest islands in the Ionians and offers a great variety of bars and night clubs. Corfiot cuisine is neither spicy nor bland, but rich in the flavours of the Mediterranean. It is steeped in history and tradition. Specialties consist of local ingredients found on the island, especially olives, lemons, vegetables, tomatoes and fish.
Corfu's little known golf course is one of the 19 greatest championship courses in Europe. Located in the Ropa Valley, this 18-hole golf, par-72 course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, with its excellent clubhouse and restaurant, combines the natural landscape of the area with well thought out hazards, making it a fine course for players of all standards.
