Corfu - Mountain race
The Corfu Mountain Trail 2019 consists of two tracks, the olive tree trail 17km, and the rain trail 37 km, and is carried on trails and earth-roads through an area of outstanding natural beauty and overgrown of olive groves, highlighting the natural environment of exceptional beauty in this part of Corfu. Known as the Emerald Island because of its lush greenery and breathtaking beauty, Corfu is one of the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean. Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.
Welcome
Welcome to the "Corfu Mountain Trail" 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
- QUICK TRAIL 10km
- ΟLIVE TREE TRAIL 20km. 1200D+ ,
- RAIN TRAIL 40km.2200D+
- CORFU MOUNTAIN TRAIL ULTRA 110km 5000D+.
-
Where
Corfu, located in the western Ionian Sea, northwest of Athens and close to the west coast of Greece. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands.
When: 04-05 May, 2019
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!
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Happy runs!
Race Date: 04-05 May 2019
Event Schedule
THURSDAY 12/4/2018.
Receiving the race numbers in Corfu Town, in the New Balance Store from 18.00 to 21.00 with ID card or passport.
FRIDAY 13/4/2018.
Receiving the race numbers in Corfu Town, in the New Balance Store from 18.00 to 21.00 with ID card or passport.
SATURDAY 14/4/2018.
Receiving the race numbers in Corfu Town, in the New Balance Store from 10.00 to 14.00 with ID card or passport.
The athletes of the 104 km race who want to pick up their race number in the AKTI MESSOGHI HOTEL should sign their name on the list at the Reception desk of the hotel until 13.00 on Saturday.
The athletes of the 8 km-20 km-40 km races can pick up their race numbers on the day of the race until 30 minutes before the start of their race if they had been registered online before. (The athletes who pick up their numbers on Sunday morning will receive the race pocket only if there’s at the moment available, the rest of them will receive it within a few days by post.)
13:00 Technical information of the races
17:30 The transfer bus leaves from the AKTI MESSOGHI HOTEL to the start point of the 104 km race to IPSOS.
18:00 In-between bus-stop in the center of Corfu Town ( San Rocco Square, in front of the supermarket MARKATO) for the athletes of the 104 km race.
19:00. Start of the Night-Day Race of 104 km from IPSOS.
SUNDAY 15/4/2017.
07:00. Start of the Rain Race of 40 km from the AKTI MESSOGHI HOTEL.
9:00. Start of the Olive Tree Race of 20 km from the AKTI MESSOGHI HOTEL .
11:00. Start of the Quick Trail Race of 8 km from the AKTI MESSOGHI HOTEL.
12:00. Children’s race of 1000m in the AKTI MESSOGHI HOTEL.
12:30. Special Olympic’s race.
13:00. Buffet for the athletes.
14:00. Award ceremony.
18:00 Closure of the 7th CORFU MOUNTAIN TRAIL.
Distances:
- QUICK TRAIL των 10 χλμ.,
- ΟLIVE TREE TRAIL των 20 χλμ. 1200D+ ,
- RAIN TRAIL των 40 χλμ.2200D+ και
- CORFU MOUNTAIN TRAIL ULTRA των 110 χλμ 5000D+.
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 01st of April 2018. 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 €50 » 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.
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 book through this service even if you do not participate in an event or register through another site!
View Corfu Mountain Trail hotels and apartments on Stay22
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!
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.
