The Taygetos Challenge offers 4+1 races:
Hansaplast Marathon 40km (+Vertical)
Experience 22km (+Vertical)
NIVEA SUN Basic 10km (+Vertical)
Fun 5km
Vertical 650m (in combination with one of the above routes)
Registrations and payments are strictly online through the race’s website. You can choose your preferred race and proceed with the registration online here.
You can pay the registration fee by following the methods available here.
Full refunds are available until the registration deadline. After this date, the registration fee is non-refundable.
All athletes who have successfully registered online can pick up their bib number from the race office.
The race office is located in the old school of Kardamyli, below the main square. It will be open on:
- Friday: 17:00 – 21:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00 & 17:00 – 21:00
- Sunday: 06:00 – 07:30 (before the race)
The races (Hansaplast Marathon, Experience, NIVEA SUN Basic, and Fun) will start on Sunday morning near the race office, below the central square of Kardamyli.
There are plenty of options available. Hotels and guesthouses in the area will accommodate your needs.
The routes have continuous slope changes that can be tiring without realizing it, often causing cramps by mid-race, even though the weather is not hot. Despite the varying
terrain, the dominant feature is stone, as you are in Mani, the “Kingdom of Stone.”
The Marathon route has 6 aid stations every 5-6 km, offering water, salty, and sweet snacks. Slower athletes should carry a half-liter bottle, gels, and electrolyte tablets to
safely complete the race.
The same applies to the shorter 20km route, which has 4 aid stations.
No mandatory equipment is required, but for safety reasons, it is recommended to carry a light windbreaker, whistle, emergency food (200-300 calories), and a mobile phone. To reduce the ecological footprint, bringing your own water bottle is encouraged.
Vertical races are popular abroad, typically featuring 1000m vertical elevation, which elite athletes complete in over 30 minutes. The Kardamyli Vertical race is only 150m, and athletes should not fear it, as the maximum effort lasts 7-8 minutes for the slower participants. The combination of both races highlights the “Challenge” aspect of the
event, and winners are determined by combined results. It also offers exciting battles and gives spectators a chance to cheer for the younger participants racing after the main event.
The routes feature cobblestone paths, soft soil, stone-paved roads, forest roads, gorges, and picturesque villages, offering spectacular views of snow-covered peaks. A sturdy trail shoe with good cushioning and toe protection is recommended.
Personal items must be handed over at the race office a few minutes before the race starts. After the finish, volunteers will help return the personal items.
You can view your results here.
