Santorini returns dynamically to the sports action for the 5th edition of “Santorini Experience” that will attract the worldwide interest of professional and amateur athletes of running and open water swimming on October 4-6, 2019.
Runners will have the opportunity to enjoy the three established routes on the Caldera, overlooking the enchanting images of the volcano and the background scenery of Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. Specifically, the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” route concerns the running and dynamic walking, the 10km is addressed to the most experienced in distances and the 15km route to those who love strength, endurance and adrenaline. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, including parts of trail track, and finish in Oia. The running routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.
Open water swimming will have an honorable position in this year’s schedule as well. Specifically, the participants will have the opportunity to swim from the volcano to the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, in the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) race. Organization will provide amateur athletes with a high-quality safety lifeguard buoy, giving them extra motive to choose “Santorini Experience”. Swimming route will take place with the upmost safety in the enchanting sea of Santorini (average water temperature of 20-22 degrees Celsius), under the technical direction of federal coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, who has designed this unique route. Once again, specialized lifeguards will contribute in safety measures, providing staff as well as lifeboats. Distinguished age categories will be formed depending on the final participation entries, while a separate classification for those wearing wetsuits will be added.
“Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.
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Santorini
Santorini, Greece
Santorini
Σαντορίνη, Ελλάδα
15km Route
The route of 15 km. starts slightly downhill for about 250 meters to a wide dirt road and then follows a strongly uphill path 1,250 m long, with an average gradient of 12%. Then the dirt road path narrows and the form of the ground changes with several stones which need increased attention. The slope is downhill until the point located at 2.5 km. where there will be the first power station. Then the route continues on asphalt road for about 660 meters with moderate uphill slope, to get back on a path where the ground is soft and somewhat loose soil so you need a little attention as it is relatively slippery, with very steep slope for about 700 meters with breathtaking view. Attention at this point, you must move as far on the left side of the trail as possible.
The intense uphill ends at 3.8 km at the chapel of Prophet Elias, where a concrete steep alley follows up to 4.5 km which is 500 meters before the second power station at 5km. The next 2 kilometers is also quite steep in stable but fairly hard ground passing through Imerovigli and the view continues to be amazing. We continue up to the entrance of Fira until we get to the church of Saint Gerasimos where you will find the third power station and the reversal point. The way back is the same except for the point after the 11th km where before you reach the chapel of Prophet Elias, you take the paved path (also needs enough attention) on the right side until you get back on the asphalt road at the 12th km and in about 600 meters you get back on the path for the return where we meet the maximum slope just before 13.5 km, which is close to 40% (!) for 100 m. The last 1.5 km of the route is downhill.
10km. Route
The route of 10 km. starts slightly downhill for about 250 meters to a wide dirt road and then follows a strongly uphill path 1,250 m long, with an average gradient of 12%. Then the dirt road path narrows and the form of the ground changes with several stones which need increased attention. The slope is downhill until the point located at 2.5 km. where there will be the first power station. Then the route continues on asphalt road for about 660 meters with moderate uphill slope, to get back on a path where the ground is soft and somewhat loose soil so you need a little attention as it is relatively slippery, with very steep slope for about 700 meters with breathtaking view. Attention at this point, you must move as far on the left side of the trail as possible.
The intense uphill ends at 3.8 km. at the chapel of Prophet Elias, where a concrete steep alley follows up to 4.5 km. which is 500 meters before the reversing point and the second power station. The way back is the same except for the point after the 6th km. where before you reach the chapel of Prophet Elias, you take the paved path (also needs enough attention) on the right side until you get back on the asphalt road at the 7th km. and in about 600 meters you get back on the path for the return where we meet the maximum slope just before 8.5 km., which is close to 40% (!) for 100 m. The last 1.5 km. of the route is downhill.
5 km. Route
The route of 5 km. starts slightly downhill for about 250 meters to a wide dirt road and then follows a strongly uphill path 1,250 m long, with an average gradient of 12%. Then the dirt road path narrows and the form of the ground changes with several stones which need increased attention. The slope is downhill until the reversal point located midway (2.5 km.) where there will be a power station.
On returning we meet the maximum slope just before the 3.5 km., which is close to 40% (!) for about 100km. The last 1.5 km. of the route is downhill.
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.
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