PRESS RELEASE – What’s New in the 13th Taygetos Challenge 2024?

Accept the challenge of the Taygetos Challenge for the 13th time!
Limit your preventative mindset and come run with us on the rocky trails on March 23-24, 2024!

Before we discuss the six new features brought by the 13th Taygetos Challenge 2024, co-organized by the Municipality of Western Mani, it’s worth mentioning the magical setting of Kardamyli and the history of the race.

The Magical Setting of Kardamyli: In this race, you will combine your love for trail running with a deeper understanding of the area’s history. Kardamyli, a place of deep historical and cultural significance, provides the perfect backdrop for our race. From the time of Agamemnon to the reign of the Palaiologos-Troupakis family, every step on its streets and trails carries a story waiting to be discovered. Participants will feel part of history as the routes follow ancient paths and cobbled streets, including the ancient Royal Road that connected ancient Sparta to the port of Kardamyli. Furthermore, the 40km and 22km routes pass through the Byros Gorge, allowing athletes to enjoy its stunning natural beauty. The passage through Doupitsia is also a landmark section of the race and the protected area: it’s a plateau with unique flora and remnants of times gone by, including terraced fields, structures, and cisterns, making up the natural landscape. One of the “secret” corners of Taygetos, which has been rightly named the “Wildlife Refuge”.

The History of Taygetos Challenge: The Taygetos Challenge started as an initiative to showcase the natural beauty and rich history of Taygetos and Kardamyli, and continues to excite with each new event. For thirteen years, the Taygetos Challenge has contributed to the conservation, upgrading, and promotion of these ancient paths as an integral part of the local natural and cultural heritage.

Almost one-sixth of the land area of Laconia and Messinia, including the Taygetos mountain range, as well as large portions of the sea zone, have been included in the European Natura 2000 network, which was created to ensure sustainable management and protect the natural wealth of these areas. The organization’s vision includes utilizing the mountain mass of the area and its villages and connecting them to the coastal zone, raising ecological awareness, especially among children and youth, and managing and developing the cultural heritage of the region.

Explore the Area: Apart from the race, Kardamyli offers countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Visit traditional villages, discover hidden beaches, and enjoy local cuisine. Every corner of Kardamyli has a unique story to tell.

What Are the 6 “New” Features of the 13th Taygetos Challenge?

NEW 1: Announcement of the “1 Tree for Every 1 Athlete” Action for 2024
As part of our environmental initiatives that started in 2021, at last year’s 12th event, for every athlete participating in Taygetos Challenge 2023, we committed to planting a tree to help reduce our carbon footprint. Thanks to your awareness and participation and the practical support of We4all, the “1 Tree for Every 1 Athlete” initiative was successfully implemented in December, with 778 trees planted in Oinofyta, Hymettus, Paiania, and Canada. Due to this success, we are excited to announce and invite you to participate again in the “1 Tree for Every 1 Athlete” initiative for 2024, aiming to reach 1,000 tree plantings in Greece and other parts of the world that truly need it, providing food, employment, and environmental restoration.

NEW 2: Renewed Routes for the Marathon 40km and Experience 22km with New ITRA Global Trail Running Ranking
The Marathon event has been extended to 40km from 37km, with an increase in elevation gain to 2,504m (from 2,314m) and 2 points in the ITRA ranking (up from 1 point last year). Two-thirds of the trails now pass through the protected Natura 2000 zone. The route includes a beautiful descent from Kalyves to Byros Gorge, followed by a one-kilometer climb inside the gorge, passing the stunning Stenema.

The Experience race has been extended to 22km from 19.5km, with a new elevation gain of 1,224m (up from 1,089m last year) and now earns 1 point in the ITRA ranking (up from 0). The new route is challenging but still less demanding than the Marathon, ideal for well-trained runners. The Experience route shares parts of its course with the Marathon, such as the descent through Kalyves and the passage through Byros Gorge and Doupitsia.

Other shorter events (Basic 10km, Independent Fun 5km, and Vertical Speed 650m) remain unchanged.

NEW 3: For the 13th edition, the Basic 10km race now has new age categories:
Men: M1 (18-35), M2 (36-49), M3 (50-59), M4 (60+)
Women: W1 (18-35), W2 (36-49), W3 (50-59), W4 (60+)

NEW 4: Age categories now apply to the Marathon 40km and Experience 22km races as well.

NEW 5: Innovative live tracking for the Marathon 40km route. Friends, family, and spectators can track runners’ progress via a map link during the race.

NEW 6: We are pleased to announce that the 13th Taygetos Challenge will be co-organized with the Municipality of Western Mani, who has supported the event over the years.

We also welcome new sponsors to the team, including Independent Average Adjusters (exclusive sponsor of the FUN 5km event) and Näak, a Canadian brand offering energy products for athletes.

For more information and registration, visit: www.taygetoschallenge.com
We look forward to seeing you on this unforgettable adventure! Stay tuned for more updates.