Navarino Challenge returns for its 11th year, on October 13-15, 2023, at Costa Navarino and Pylos.

This year, more than 40 sports activities will take place within three days at the hotels W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. 

 

For the first time in the event’s history, the Navarino Challenge Marathon by That Gorilla Brand will be held, with participants having the opportunity to cross the beach of Voidokilia. At the same time, the participants in the Navarino Challenge Half Marathon by That Gorilla Brand will also have the chance to cross the most famous beach of Messinia and one of the most beautiful in the world. With its unique shape outlining the Greek letter omega (Ω), Voidokilia is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to test his strength in running. The peculiar name of this enchanting location, Voidokoilia (lit. ‘ox-belly’), can be traced back to an ancient myth about Hermes, who stole the oxen of his brother, Apollo, and hid them in a cave above the beach. Feeling remorse, Hermes gave Apollo a lyre made from a sea turtle’s shell, which lays its eggs in the bay to this day. The event offers participants the opportunity to run the 42km Marathon and the top Greek Half-Marathon of 21.1km, together with the Greek-American ambassador of Greek Tourism, the ultramarathoner Constantine “Dean” Karnazes. These are the only trail running races that combine sand, soil, and asphalt.

 

At the same time, participants can run the magnificent 10km route powered by Miele, next to the sea, or the 5km route, among centuries-old olive trees, which can even be completed with dynamic walking. On the same day, a 1km route will be held for young people 9 to 14 years old and a 1km route for children up to 8 years old.  

 

Runners can now participate in the 42km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km, and 1km routes. The children’s race is held with free participation. Register through the special form available at the following link.

 

All the proceeds from the Marathon race, as well as 50% of the proceeds from all the other running routes, will be donated through the initiative “That Gorilla Brand's Adventures For A Cause”, by the Grand Sponsor That Gorilla Brand, the world's biggest lifestyle brand dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas, to improve sanitation facilities in Uganda. Out of a total of 16 schools located around the edges of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BNIP) and close to habitats of mountain gorillas, only three meet the hygiene standards for children and teachers. The remaining 13 schools require significant financial and humanitarian aid.

 

Watch the video with some highlights from the Navarino Challenge running activities here: https://youtu.be/enAd28vVfA8 

 

Messinia will host for one more year the top sports tourism celebration. After all, Messinians are renowned for their hospitality (‘filoxenia’ in Greek). Homer tells the story thus: searching for his father Odysseus, Telemachus, accompanied by the Goddess Athina in mortal guise, came ashore at night in Voidokilia, which was also the port of ancient Pylos, to ask King Nestor of his father Ulysses' whereabouts. The King was holding a feast with his sons on the sand and gave the travelers the best cuts of meat and his best wine. Only after they were fed and rested did he ask them who they were and what was the purpose of their visit. This is the first written account of hospitality in the Western world, and it’s in Homer’s Odyssey.

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with breakfast and live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at the full of energy W Costa Navarino and the luxurious The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, you may send your email to the booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here. 

The event’s schedule includes more than 40 sports activities that will take place at the hotels W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

This year, in addition to running, you will find activities such as: a basketball clinic and 4on4 basketball tournament, beach volleyball tournaments, tennis (tournaments, clinic, and demonstration), beachathlon, pilates, climbing, bike tour at Voidokolia, golf, boxing, CrossFit, yoga, high-intensity training, spinning, water sports and others that will be announced in the coming days.

 

That Gorilla Brand is the event’s Grand Sponsor. 

Miele is the Official Sponsor.

Europa is the Official Supporter. 

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, is the Premium Mobility Partner.

Costa Navarino and the hotels W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, Pilia Express, Phee, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, and Zoe Seaside Resort are the event’s Partners. 

Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.

Kois Optics are the event’s Official Optics Partner. 

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.

Deree - The American College of Greece is the Educational Partner.

FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena are the event’s Athletic Partners.

Navarino Challenge is Assisted by Vita N Travel and Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development.

 

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2023 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group, which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

 

More information on this year’s activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

 

For the 12th year, the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Zagori hosted the biggest mountain running race in Greece and one of the top in Europe, which is an initiative of My Adventure, on July 21-23, 2023. Stone-built villages, traditional bridges, unique sights such as the imposing Vikos Gorge, Skala Vradetou, the Voidomatis River, the protected area of the natural wealth of the Vikos-Aoos National Park as well as the region’s rich biodiversity, created the ideal setting for this year’s Zagori Mountain Running. Participants had to encounter the high temperatures of the three days and the new challenges of the modified, for this purpose, routes and starting times.

 

More than 2,500 young and old athletes and more than 10,000 visitors found themselves in Zagori. They lived this unique celebration of mountain sports tourism, shared unprecedented experiences, and created memories for a lifetime in the place beyond the mountain. The athletes who took part were from 35 countries and 5 continents, such as U.S.A., Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Morocco, Djibouti, Pakistan, Lebanon, Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, Austria, Malta, Serbia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Israel, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Cyprus, North Macedonia, and Greece. 

 

On Saturday, 22 July, the first race started at 04:30 in the morning from the manorial village of Tsepelovo, with the modified, due to the high temperatures, TeRA 60km race offering countless joys and thrills to the participants. In the men’s category, Fifth Element athlete Alexandros Tzoumakas finished first with a time of 6:34’:43’’, Evangelos Noulas was second with 6:37’:43’ and Charalambos Kalaboukas finished third with 6:45’:16’’. 

In the women’s category, the Austrian Sophia Schnabl finished first with a time of 8:08’:07’’, Niki Zioga was second with 8:16’:51’’ and Nikoleta Tzavara of The North Face was third with 8:42’:43’’. 

See all TeRA results here.

 

The top mountain running event of the summer continued with the Marathon+ 44km taking place at Voidomatis Springs, Megalo Papigo, and Astrakas Refuge. In the men’s category, Dimitrios Eleftheriou finished first with a time of 4:43’:36’’, Vassilis Balamotis was second with 4:46’:29’’ and Konstantinos Giannopoulos was third with 4:53’:36’’.

In the women’s category, the Olympic rowing bronze medalist Christina Giazitzidou finished first with a time of 5:21’:52’’, Georgia Kanouta was second with 6:34’:25’’, and Irini Gioti finished third with 6:49’:54’’.

See all Marathon+ 44km results here.

 

On Sunday, July 23, the competitive and more massive mountain routes were held. The Half Marathon 21km started from Tsepelovo, with the athletes running to the Tymfi mountain complex and passing from the Kipoi village, the three-arched bridge, the Kokkoros bridge, and Koukouli village. In the men’s category, Emmanuel Pourikas finished first with a time of 1:49’:02’’, which was also an event record, Nikos Ponireas was second with 1:52’:14’ and the French Laurent Vicente finished third with 1:55’:49’’.

In the women’s category, Lemonia Panagiotou finished first with a time of 2:23’:49’’, Chrysanthi Sfakianaki was second with 2:42’:28’’ and the Serbian Tijana Panic was third with 2:44':17''.

See all Half Marathon 21km results here.

 

The Entry Race 10km took place afterward, with participants swarming about the route, facing the unique view of the Vikos Gorge and passing through the Skala Tsepelovo. In the men’s category, George Kalapodis finished first with a time of 0:44’:22’, George Dimoulas of The North Face was second with 0:44’:42’’ and Stavros Ginis finished third with 0:44’:57’’. 

In the women’s category, Stavroula Papadopoulou finished first with a time of 1:00’:48’’, Evangelia Gialamatzi was second with 1:01’:08’’ and Thalia Zoi finished third with 1:01’:12’’.

See all Entry Race 10km results here.

 

On Saturday afternoon, Tsepelovo was filled with smiles, children’s voices, and families who introduced their children to sports. The children’s ZAGORAKI Race by ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water brought together more than 300 children, 3 to 12 years old, who ran the 1km distance with their favorite water as their ally in hydration! The children were warmed up by the fitness trainer Emmi Siouzou with a pleasant dynamic exercise program with music. At the end of the ZAGORAKI Race, 3 gifts for outdoor activities were raffled off to 3 lucky little runners while all the children enjoyed non-carbonated GREEN orangeades. As part of the children’s race, 3 children’s books “Trechontas o Teri egine xefteri” by Leftheris Plakidas, and 1 book, “Swimming beyond the limits” by the ultra-swimmer Spyros Chrysikopoulos, were also raffled.   

 

ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water supports sports and fair play as an ally and helper of Greece’s biggest mountain running race, the Zagori Mountain Running. The event’s Grand Sponsor offered all athletes the necessary hydration and rejuvenation. Throughout these challenging races, runners drank the ZAGORI Athletic Natural Mineral Water, while at the finish, they had the opportunity to enjoy GREEN COLA and GREEN orangeade. Of course, all the visitors enjoyed this celebration of sports with cool ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water and delicious iced GREEN COLA and GREEN orangeade.

ZAGORI Mountain Running race is an integral part of the society and culture of Zagorochoria. Of the “place beyond the mountain”, that offers the ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water. Because in this place, we call water ZAGORI! 

 

The top outdoor clothing & gear company, The North Face, participated for another year as a Grand Sponsor. As a premium outdoor brand, The North Face offered a unique experience to all athletes who encountered the challenges of the races. More specifically, the athletes who completed the TeRA and Marathon+ 44km races received unique gifts from the company, which reminded them of the incredible adventure they faced and completed. The North Face, which has supported the event since its beginning, is known for the quality and credibility of its outdoor products. People had the opportunity to visit The North Face’s iconic 2-Meter Dome tent while the company’s booth showcased its pinnacle Summit Series trail running collection, both in clothing and footwear. In collaboration with the brand ambassador George Dimoulas, trail runner and mural artist, he created live a big mural on the theme of The North Face’s motto “NEVER STOP EXPLORING” and the preservation of the wealth of nature as a legacy for the next generation. Finally, the company allowed the little explorers to test their capabilities for one more year and have fun safely on its climbing wall.  

 

Since the event’s first year, Fifth Element, the fully specialized store of sports activities, has been the race’s Grand Sponsor. This year, Fifth Element gave away a -10% off coupon valid on all their new products with every race registration. The company actively contributes to the protection of nature, concerning the environment, strengthening the work of the Vikos - Aoos National Park and allocating part of its income for this purpose. At the same time, this year’s collectible Buff®, with its unique design, was dedicated to the rich and rare flora of Zagori and was available for purchase from Fifth Element’s online and physical store. 

 

In the context of this year’s Zagori Mountain Running, the owner of My Adventure and Fifth Element and race’s organizer, Mr. Vassilis Tzoumakas, stated: “I feel proud of this great event that we had despite the adverse conditions and high temperatures we faced, as we adapted immediately with the safety of our athletes in mind. We saw thousands of participants and visitors full of smiles, which is our biggest reward. I would like to thank the Region of Epirus, the Municipality of Zagori, all the sponsors who stood by us from the very beginning, as well as all our partners and above all our hundreds of volunteers. We continue even stronger for the 13th year of Zagori Mountain Running on July 19-21, 2024”. 

 

The organization of Zagori Mountain Running supported Make-A-Wish this year to fulfill the wishes of children with serious illnesses. In particular, the event’s collective wristband was offered for purchase to participants and visitors, and all proceeds were allocated for the active support of the vital work of Make-A-Wish Greece.

 

This year, the prizes for the Zagori Mountain Running 2023 winners were handmade clay sculptures, crafted with love and artistry by the artist Renevi Polonyfi, of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Ioannina. These unique works of art were truly special and represented the natural beauty of the Zagori region. The theme chosen by the sculptor for the prizes was the “birth of the flower,” which perfectly aligns with the race’s philosophy and the prevailing atmosphere of this year’s event. 

 

ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water, The North Face, and Fifth Element were the event’s Grand Sponsors.

JEEP AUTOLINEA Ioannina was the Sponsor.

NOMAD Premium Greek Honey, Melissa, Costa Coffee, Neversecond, Tailwind, Ready, Anthrax, Dole, Green Cola, Myelements, Dodoni, Ifantis, Igloo, Comodo, Ostracon, Astrakas Mountain Refuge were the Official Supporters.

Zagori Mountain Running was organized by My Adventure with Co-organizers the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Zagori.

Institutional Supporters were the Northern Pindos National Park and the Vikos-Aoos Geopark. 

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.

Critical was the support offered by the Volunteers Samaritans Corp of the Regional Department of Hellenic Red Cross of Ioannina, the Cultural Association of Tsepelovo “Anastasios Tsouflis,” and all the volunteers who helped during the races on the routes, at the aid stations and the finish. 

 

#zagorirace2023 #zagorimountainrunning #zmr2023 #theplacebeyondthemountain

Photo from the start of the ZAGORAKI Race for children (photo by Zagori Mountain Running)

 

Primer Music Festival 2023 is set to rock Plateia Nerou with an electrifying lineup featuring global sensations David Guetta, James Hype, Acraze, and Mistajam. David Guetta, a two-time Grammy winner, four-time DJ Awards recipient, and holder of two MTV Europe Music Awards, will headline the event. With chart-toppers like "Titanium" and "Hey Mama," Guetta boasts over 10 million album sales, 65 million singles sold, and more than 10 billion streams.

James Hype, a trendsetting DJ, and producer known for his captivating melodies and live mixing skills will grace the stage. Emerging artist Acraze, with his bass-heavy sound, joins the lineup, along with the dynamic British DJ Mistajam. Primer Music Festival, known for uniting electronic music enthusiasts, promises an unforgettable experience.

Scheduled for Sunday, August 27th, this event will bring the world's best EDM artists to Greece, creating an epic finale to the summer season. Keep an eye on the festival's Social Media and website for more exciting announcements and lineup updates. Mark your calendars for an electrifying celebration of electronic dance music!

The Greek Culture Ministry is aiming to test run a special visitor zone plan aimed at easing visitor traffic to the Acropolis in Athens starting this fall.

According to a meeting between Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and tourism professionals, the plan is expected to go into effect in the next months, most likely on September 1, and after a pilot run be fully implemented in the spring of 2024.

In this direction, the ministry said that it was carrying out a study with the input of tourism professionals and guides.

The zoning plan aims to ease visitor traffic at the Acropolis which has reached 23,000 people a day. According to study findings and to expert recommendations, the goal is to keep visitor numbers at 21,000 a day in order to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The pilot plan foresees the creation of four hourly visitor zones from 8am to noon allowing the admission to the Acropolis of 8,000 people. The report notes that approximately 50 percent of all visitors chose morning hours to visit the archeological site.

An addition, eight hourly zones will be created from noon to 8pm allowing the admission of 13,000 visitors. The zoning program also foresees special category visits.

Read more on gtp.news.gr

The Acropolis Museum will celebrate August Full Moon on Tuesday 1st August 2023 with the music and dance event "Tango Acropolis" in the Museum’s entrance courtyard at 9 p.m.

The evening will start with performances by world-renowned tango dancers and a live music presentation will follow by the Orchestra "Con Estilo Tango" with tributes to great musicians of the Golden Age, such as Astor Piazzola, Osvaldo Pugliese and Juan d’ Arienzo, among others. Professional and amateur tango dancers from the public will have the opportunity to dance and turn the Museum’s courtyard into a dance floor. Participation: Nikos Papadimitriou (piano), Lefteris Grivas (bandoneon), Lia Selalmazidi (violin). Entrance to this event will be free.

On this day, the Museum will remain open until 12 midnight with free entry from 8 p.m. onwards and visitors will be able to enjoy the galleries and the view of the Acropolis under the charming moonlight. The restaurant on the second floor will be open during the same hours (dinner reservations: +30 210 9000915).

The event "Tango Acropolis" is held under the aegis of the Embassy of Argentina.

Greek authorities have issued high alert warnings over an expected new heatwave set to start on Thursday, July 20, and send temperatures into the mid-40s degrees Celsius.

Greece’s National Meteorological Service (ΕΜΥ) has issued a red emergency bulletin of dangerous weather phenomena forecasting severe weather across the country to continue into the next week.

Under its red alert, EMY recommends taking preventive measures, being vigilant and acting in accordance with the advice of the competent authorities. “Get the weather forecasts and expect a significant impact on your daily activities,” it said.

Due to the extremely high temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113°F) in some parts of the Greece, disruptions to transport, business, and utilities possible. Among others, Greek authorities are examining changing visitor hours to main sites and landmarks, telework options, while the Municipality of Athens will continue to offer respite to visitors and residents in air-conditioned spaces operating from 8am to 8pm across the city.

 To read more visit news.gtp.gr

The city of Athens for 35 days will transform into one big stage to host theater and music events for all in a number of locations throughout the city.

Announced by the Municipality of Athens and its Cultural, Sports, and Youth Organization (OPANDA), the “All Athens is a Stage” 35-day festival will see the Greek capital host a series of admission free events including concerts, theatrical and musical performances, dance parties and music tributes.

Starting on Saturday, July 1, a total of 59 events are scheduled to take place across 30 Athenian neighborhoods, transforming parks, open-air theaters, squares, and courtyards into event venues.

This year, our great outdoor festival will be expanding across the city to offer Athenians and visitors summer nights full of quality entertainment,” said Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

“All Athens is a Stage” continues last year’s successful organization following an open invitation to artists to submit their proposals for the 2023 event.

Curated by OPANDA in the framework of Culture is Athens, the festival will take place in various locations including the Kolonos and Grava theaters, the “Mikis Theodorakis” and Longinou parks, and the Eleftherias (Koumoundourou), Agios Pavlos, Dexameni, Santarosa, Plyta, Mesologgios, Filopappou, Thymacchia, Nathaniel, Lambrini, Papadiamantis, Agios Georgios, Kalliga, Victoria, Penelope Delta, Laconia, and Agios Demetrios squares.

To read this article in full, please visit news.gtp.gr

The archaeological site of Hadrian’s Library in the center of Athens will host a set of free performances as part of the 4th “The Stones Speak”  cultural program.

Launched in 2017 by the Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association, the program aims to introduce the works of great writers from Greek antiquity to both residents and visitors of the Greek capital through theatrical performances.

The “The Stones Speak” performances at Hadrian’s Library will take place on July 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 between 11:00 and 13:00 and will run in Modern Greek, French and English.

Created by Greek director Efi Theodorou, composer Nikos Platanos and the Delos Drama School student actors, the performances will take spectators on a philosophical journey on love, life and democracy through texts ranging from Homer’s Odyssey to Sophocle’s Antigone among others.

To read this article in full, please visit news.gtp.gr

The best golf event in Greece and Cyprus, the Greek Maritime Golf Event, returns for its 9th year on September 7-10, 2023, at Costa Navarino, Messinia, with a full schedule for golf and maritime enthusiasts.

 

On Friday, September 8, participants will register at 08:30 am at The Bay Course Club House to participate in the shotgun scramble, which will take place at 10:00 am at The Bay Course. The teams will enjoy their game with the imposing view of the Ionian Sea, the historic Bay of Navarino, and the picturesque port of Pylos.

 

On Saturday, September 9, the golf takes action at The Dunes Course in a unique landscape full of centuries-old olive trees. The shotgun scramble starts at 10:00 am with teams vying for the top three positions in the overall standings. At the same time, there will also be special awards for the individual players who will achieve the best scores in the Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin categories. 

 

As every year, the Greek Maritime Golf Event has considered those who do not participate in the tournament. More specifically, non-golfers will have the opportunity to get closer to their favorite sport and learn the basic principles of the Olympic Sport alongside professionals at the Golf Clinic that will take place on Saturday, September 9, at 12:00 pm at The Dunes Course. 

 

The surprises do not stop here for the participants, as on Friday, September 8, the tournament will welcome the participants at the Welcome Cocktail by Marine Tours, while the Prize Giving Cocktail will be held on Saturday, September 9. The Greek Maritime Golf Event will be concluded with every formality at the Prize Giving Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday at 08:00 pm. for the announcement and crowning of this year’s champions.

 

In the context of this year’s event, the recognized Greek PGA golfer and organizer of the Greek Maritime Golf Event, Mr. Thanos Karantzias, stated: “The best golf tournament in Greece and Cyprus, as recently awarded, returns on September 7-10. We are gearing up for another year of the great celebration of golf and maritime. We are delighted to see such a great response and participation from the maritime companies that have embraced and supported the tournament for nine years. We have prepared several surprises for this year’s event for them, and the participants should expect rich gifts. We expect everyone at the two signature courses of Costa Navarino”.

 

Watch here the highlights video of last year’s event: https://youtu.be/0Ky68VJI7rQ 

 

IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Mainline Shipping Company is the event’s Gold Sponsor.

Aegean Baltic Bank, Arrow Hellas, DNV, Marine Tours and Swift Marine are the event’s Silver Sponsors. 

Miele is the Official Sponsor.

Standard Club, Poseidonia Restaurant and Grey Goose are the Official Supporters.

Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.

Messinian Spa is the event’s Official Beauty Partner. 

Minoa Water is the event’s Official Water.

Karalis Beach Hotel, Miran, Athi Rodi and Daily Deli are the event’s Partners.

Costa Navarino, The Margi, Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, Arifakis Menswear, Iliada Sunset Suites, Namaste Boutique Apartments and Marmari Bay Hotel are the Auction Partners. 

Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.

 

Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The Sports Marketing Agency of the Year of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production. 

The golf tournament is exclusively addressed to distinguished executives of the maritime industry.

 

Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino 

Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event