Kardamyli Marathon
Taygetos Challenge
On the 27th and 28th March 2010 Kardamyli hosted a remarkable event: a mountain marathon, organised by the 2407 Mountain Activities shop in the main street and supported by the Lefktron council. The race was given the name Taygetos Challenge, the aim being to establish it as an annual event. The race was open to all adults who, in their love of rambling and mountain running, wanted to enjoy such an experience in the Mani, in the foothills of the magnificent Taygetos mountains. Running teams from all over Greece descended on Kardamyli for this inaugural event.
On Saturday the “Vertical Speed” event took place. It was the first time such a race had been held in Greece and was the subject of much discussion. It certainly was an experience which the 100 participants and those who followed them will never forget.
The course was 650 metres in length and over that distance ascended 150 metres. Obviously the runners had to run the distance in the fastest possible time. The paved footpath wound its way through the green countryside up to Prastio and challenged both the physical and mental fitness of the competitors. They lined up at the start in rows of five, the final result being worked out when everyone had completed the course. The climb was the perfect warm-up for the following day.
A nice touch was provided by the children who were invited to try the same Vertical Speed course as the adults. They showed great toughness and determination and completed the race, every one of them.
On Sunday 28th it was the Mountain Marathon. The race started (at 8a.m.) and finished in the square in Kardamyli, so at sea level. The course was 38 kilometres in total, with differences in height of 2100 metres, and followed a network of roads and paths which link the villages and vantage points of the area. The route passed through beautiful scenery and changed constantly: the natural beauty of the Viros gorge contrasted with the monasteries of Vaidenitsa and Sotiros and then again with the lovely villages of the area (Exochori,Tseria, Pedino and Agia Sophia). For much of the route the runners were on shady tracks and stone-built mule-paths – the skilled work of another era. And when they reached the high points of the course the views, towards the peaks of Taygetos in one direction and down to the sea in the other, gave them ample reward for their efforts. The design of the route ensured that there were no dangers for the athletes and conformed to the requirements of a mountain race: 80% of its length was on mountain paths, 15% on earth-roads and only 5% on asphalt.
Friends and family followed the exertions of the athletes in Kardamyli at the start and then in Exochori, Vaidenitsa, Chora, Tseria and Pedino they were able to applaud, to encourage and take photographs as well as being able to witness at first hand the beauties of the area. The winner of the men’s event was expected champion Nikos Kalofiris, running for the Salamon Ellas team, in a time of 3 hours, 44 minutes and the women’s event was won by Maria Pouloupati, running for the Mountain Running team, in a time of 4 hours, 36 minutes. All who finished within the fixed time received a certificate and a medal while a cup was given to the male and female winner who gained the highest score over both races. Out of the 136 runners in the marathon, only 2 failed to complete and 5 locals had the courage (and level of fitness) to enter- 3 from Stoupa; Popi the hairdresser, Vangelis who works in the Akrogiali taverna and Giorgos Kaleveas, physiotherapist. The others were Giorgos from Neohori who and Lefteris from Exohori, who came in an impressive fourth, running for the organisers own team, 2407 Mountain Activities.
An experienced team of local people put all their efforts into making a two-day programme which everyone could enjoy. Nikos Kostopoulos was in charge of the signage and marking out of the route. The Off Road Team was responsible for the electronic timing of the races. Dimitri Athanasoulopoulos was in charge of recording and publishing the results. Stavros Kanelleas was responsible for the welfare of the judges and teams. Gaia and a branch of the Red Cross, with a doctor and ambulance in attendance, looked after the safety of the athletes.
All involved in organising this athletic occasion are enthusiasts and are eager to hold a similar event next year. The dates have been booked – the 26th and 27th March. Combined with the 25th public holiday, this should make for a fantastic three days. They have decided next year to include a second, shorter course as well and hope their efforts provide a reason for visitors to return to the area next March and join in, either as participators or spectators.
2407 Mountain Activities
Kardamyli 27210 73752 www.2407m.com
