ORGANISATION
In collaboration with the Municipality of West Mani and the Region of Peloponnese, the 15th Taygetos Challenge, an international mountain running race, is organised in Kardamili of West Mani on the 21st and 22nd of March 2026.
1. GENERAL INFO
The Taygetos Challenge is a mountain running race on Mount Taygetos, held every year in March close to the date of the 25th of March. The aim of the race is to highlight the broader area of West Mani and this “unknown” side of Taygetos, connecting some of the most beautiful and ancient trails of the region, which all start and finish in Kardamili (race start and finish).
The Vision of the Organising Commitee
The Taygetos Challenge has been included this year in the official competition calendar of SEGAS (Hellenic Athletics Federation) and is part of the national athlete evaluation system, forming an integral stage of the selection process for the Greek National Mountain Running Team. More specifically, the HANSAPLAST Marathon 40km and Experience 22km races of the 15th Taygetos Challenge 2026 are officially designated qualification events and are included in the selection process for the athletes who will represent Greece at the European Athletics Off-Road Running Championships (Ljubljana / Kamnik, 5–7 June 2026).
The Taygetos Challenge is a member of the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and is held under the auspices of SEGAS, the Hellenic Ministry of Sports, the Region of Peloponnese, and the Municipality of West Mani.
2. RACES – ROUTES
The Taygetos Challenge offers the option of the following 4+1 races with renewed routes for the Marathon 40 km and Experience 22 km. For the second consecutive year the Taygetos Challenge welcomes our young friends to a children’s race where everyone is a winner.
Marathon 40 km with +2,504 m elevation gain
Forty demanding kilometres on highly technical terrain. A route for experienced mountain runners, with 2,504 metres of elevation gain, which despite its difficulty remains a stable choice for many athletes since 2010. According to the participants’ impressions, it remains one of the most enjoyable marathon routes in Greece. In this 13th edition, runners will enjoy the descent towards Kalyves and from there into the Vyros Gorge where the view is impressive. This is followed by 1 km of ascent inside the Vyros Gorge, passing through the most beautiful spot of the gorge, the Stenema.
The Vyros Gorge, beyond its natural beauty, also stands out due to its historical significance, as the ancient Royal Road that connected ancient Sparta with the port of Kardamili passed along its length.
It is worth noting that 2/3 of the race paths run through the protected Natura 2000 zone.
The passage through Ntoumbitsia is also an emblematic part of the race as well as the protected area. It is a high plateau with unique flora and remnants of bygone times. Terraces, stone enclosures, structures and cisterns compose the pristine natural beauty of the landscape. Ntoumbitsia remains one of the “secret” corners of Taygetos which, justly, has been designated as a “Wildlife Refuge”. The race starts below the central square of Kardamili, on the road between the old primary school – where the Secretariat is located – and the square, at 8:00 on Sunday morning.
Experience 22 km with +1,224 m elevation gain
One could say that this route is as demanding as the 40 km, though with half the elevation gain of the Marathon. If not strictly for experienced athletes, it is certainly a race for well trained runners. It shares common sections with the Marathon, such as the passage through the Vyros Gorge and part of the Ntoumbitsia section. The terrain is highly varied as it includes asphalt at the start followed by stone built paths, trails, accessible dirt roads, the Vyros Gorge and rocky ground.
Basic 10 km with +460 m elevation gain
For those just starting mountain running. A taste of stone paths and traditional trails, ideal for a first competitive encounter with mountain running.
Fun 5 km with +201 m elevation gain
The Fun route delivers exactly what it promises. Joy and enjoyment on a mild route around Kardamili. One could say that participating in the Fun run is a family affair. Suitable for all, it attracts mainly children and families who want to take part in the event and connect with nature and the Mani landscape. The view compensates for the uphill sections and the crossings through ravines, while the trails make the experience unforgettable.
Children’s race 1,000 m
One exciting kilometre through the picturesque alleys of the old town. But we don’t stop there. To make the experience even more authentic, part of the race passes over pebbles and through the dry riverbed at the exit of the Vyros Gorge, offering a real taste of trail running.
Starting and finishing at the same point, the children will run, laugh, live the adventure and perhaps catch the “bug” of mountain racing. Kids up to 12 years old have the right to participate.
Vertical Speed – 650 m with +150 m elevation gain
A challenge for marathoners. Accustomed to long distances, how easily can they complete a fast uphill sprint.
ATTENTION: Participation in the Vertical Speed (650 m + 150 m) is mandatory for athletes who wish to be ranked in the Taygetos Challenge, which is the combination of the results of the Vertical Speed held on Saturday and one of the three routes of Sunday (Marathon, Experience, Basic). In the Fun 5 km race participation in the Vertical Speed is not mandatory and does not count in the ranking or race results.
The Vertical Speed is only 150 meters and should not worry anyone, as the maximum effort time does not exceed 7–8 minutes for the slowest participants. Beyond its originality and the chance for athletes to enjoy a full competitive weekend, it is the feature that highlights the “Challenge” in the race’s title. The winners emerge from the combined results, while it also gives everyone the chance to witness exciting battles and applaud the children who start right after the adults.
The race routes include asphalt, stone-built paths, trails, accessible dirt roads, gorges and rocky terrain. They are marked throughout and do not require orientation skills. Continuation on the correct route is helped by standard trail markers (painted signs on rocks) and by the natural landscape.
Regarding the technical part of the routes, characteristic are the constant slope variations which exhaust the athlete before they realize it, being the main cause of cramps encountered by most runners after the middle of the race, even though the season is not warm.
Also, although the route has many terrain changes, the dominant element is stone, as we are in Mani, the Kingdom of stone.
3. RACE START TIMES
The start time for the Vertical Speed will be given on Saturday 21 March at the location Kalamitsi, on the main road, 500 metres after exiting Kardamili towards Stoupa, at 14:00.
Attention: The Secretariat closes at 13:00 and athletes must have checked in.
The start time for the children’s 1000m race will be given on Saturday 21 March 2026 at 18:00.
The start time for the 40 km and 22 km races will be given on Sunday 22 March 2026 at 8:00.
The start time for the 10 km and 5 km races will be given on Sunday 22 March 2026 at 8:15.
4. TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
Individuals over 18 years old have the right to participate, as well as children in the Fun route accompanied by a guardian and with a signed guardian declaration. In the children’s race, children up to 12 years old may participate with a guardian declaration.
By accepting the health declaration and participation terms during registration, the athlete accepts the regulations, respects and follows the instructions of the organising committee, safety staff and race judges.
A valid participation is one for which registration and electronic payment have been completed.
Each athlete must wear their bib number on the front of their shirt. The number must not be altered in any way.
During the race, there will be three intermediate time checkpoints.
Regarding time limits, there is only one cut off for the 40 km route at the 4th station (20 km), where athletes must pass by 13:00. The race closes 9 hours after the start. Athletes who abandon the race for any reason must notify the nearest checkpoint judge. Anyone finishing after the 9 hour limit is considered not to have completed the race and is disqualified.
Terms of Participation and Registrations
5. SAFETY – HEALTH COVERAGE
All participants sign a declaration stating they undertake responsibility for any medical examinations necessary to take part in a running event.
During an overtaking attempt, each athlete is obliged, when sensing a faster runner approaching, to move aside if requested, allowing a quick and safe overtaking.
Athletes may use poles, maps, compass, GPS, mobile phone. Any external assistance or artificial support between athletes is prohibited.
For hydration and refuelling, there will be six aid stations in the Marathon 40 km, offering water, sweet and salty snacks and energy gels.
There are six control stations where athletes must be recorded. Any athlete who misses even one control point is disqualified.
To avoid accidents, the organising committee monitors the route and provides medical assistance where needed. A Red Cross team, rescue team, doctor, physiotherapist and ambulance will be on full standby.
The organisers may modify the route if necessary for safety. It is also possible that the race start may be delayed or the event cancelled due to bad weather or force majeure.
6. AID STATIONS
The Marathon 40 km has six aid stations approximately every 5–7 km, offering water, salty and sweet snacks. The slowest athletes are advised to carry a half litre bottle, a few gels and some electrolyte tablets for a safe finish.
Aid stations per race:
Hansaplast Marathon 40 km
1. Exochori, km 5 – water only
2. Saidona, km 10
3. Vaidenitsa, km 16
4. Gorge, km 20.5
5. Tseria, km 27.5
6. Kalo, km 35
Experience 22 km
1. Exochori, km 5 – water only
2. Gorge, km 7
3. Tseria, km 10
4. Kalo, km 17.5
Nivea Sun Basic 10 km control points
Exochori 5 km – water only
Kalo 6 km – control point
7. ELECTRONIC TIMING
Electronic timing and result issuance are undertaken by a timing company. For this reason, all participants must wear the timing chip they will receive with their bib number from the Secretariat.
8. AWARDS – AGE CATEGORIES
The winners of each age category of the Taygetos Challenge result from the combined results of the General Classification of both days, the Vertical on Saturday and one of the Sunday races (Hansaplast Marathon 40K, Experience 22K, Nivea Sun Basic 10K), with the time score system:
Time score = Time of first athlete / Athlete’s time * 100.
Next to each athlete’s time, the race time and time score will be shown.
The top three winners of each category receive a cup and medal. A finisher medal is given to all who finish within the 9 hour limit.
All categories must have at least six athletes, otherwise they are merged into the previous category.
Categories:
Hansaplast Marathon 40 km
Men M1 (18–35), M2 (36–49), M3 (50–59), M4 (60+)
Women W1 (18–35), W2 (36–49), W3 (50–59), W4 (60+)
Experience 22 km
Men M1 (18–35), M2 (36–49), M3 (50–59), M4 (60+)
Women W1 (18–35), W2 (36–49), W3 (50–59), W4 (60+)
Nivea Sun Basic 10 km
Men M1 (18–35), M2 (36–49), M3 (50–59), M4 (60+)
Women W1 (18–35), W2 (36–49), W3 (50–59), W4 (60+)
Fun
Men (18+) and Women (18+)
ATTENTION! Participation in the Vertical Speed (650 m +150) is mandatory for athletes who wish to be ranked in the Taygetos Challenge. In the Fun 5 km, participation is not mandatory and does not count.
9. REGISTRATIONS
Registrations are ONLY electronic and remain open until 25 March 2026 for the enhanced participation packages and until 06 March 2026 for the basic participation packages.
https://taygetoschallenge.com/en/category/races-en/
ATTENTION: The Secretariat will not operate for registrations during or before race days.
10. PARTICIPATION FEES
Basic Hansaplast Marathon (40 km) plus Vertical Speed: 50€
Enhanced Hansaplast Marathon (40 km) plus Vertical Speed: 70€
Basic Experience (22 km) plus Vertical Speed: 30€
Enhanced Experience (22 km) plus Vertical Speed: 50€
Basic Nivea Sun Basic (10 km) plus Vertical Speed: 20€
Enhanced Nivea Sun Basic (10 km) plus Vertical Speed: 40€
Basic Fun (5 km): 15€
Enhanced Fun (5 km): 35€
Vertical Speed: 10€ (For athletes running ONLY the Vertical Speed)
Children’s race 1 km: Free, with electronic registration.
Basic packages include:
• Electronic timing
• Bib number, safety pins, timing chip
• Race souvenir and sponsor gifts
• Finisher medal
• Aid station hydration and refreshments and finish line provision
• Pasta party
• First aid coverage by volunteer rescue teams, race doctor and ambulance staff
Enhanced packages include:
Everything above plus the Anniversary technical short sleeve t-shirt by Anthrax.
11. BIB PICK UP AND ATHLETE PACKAGE
All registered athletes collect their bib number from the Secretariat.
The Secretariat is located in the old school of Kardamili beneath the central square and will operate for bib and race package collection:
Friday 20/3/2026 at 17:00–21:00
Saturday 21/3/2026 at 09:00–13:00 and 17:00–21:00
Sunday 22/3/2026 at 06:30–07:30 only for local residents.
To collect their bib, athletes must present a valid ID (identity card or passport).
If a participant cannot run but wishes to receive their race package, the organisation may ship it at the recipient’s cost.
12. PERSONAL BELONGINGS
A designated, guarded area for personal items is available near the Secretariat. Items must be labelled with the athlete’s number and must not contain valuables. Collection is assisted by volunteers.
13. CANCELLATION POLICY
If an athlete cannot participate, they must notify the organisers via email at: [email protected]
Cancellations until Friday 20 February 2026 receive a full refund (minus a 2€ bank fee).
Cancellations after 20/02/2026 receive no refund.
Refunds are made only to the same card used for payment.
If the race is cancelled for reasons beyond the organisers’ control up to 21 days before the event, 50% of the registration fee is refunded due to non recoverable expenses.
If interrupted or cancelled due to weather or other force majeure, no refund is granted.
Changing from one race to another is not allowed after 11/03/2026. Changing to a shorter race does not allow refund of the price difference.
It is not possible to exchange bib numbers. Athletes running with another person’s bib will be disqualified.
14. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Athletes are not required to carry specific equipment. However, for safety it is recommended to carry a small backpack, windbreaker, solid food, water bladder, emergency food of 200–300 kcal, elastic bandage, whistle and mobile phone.
15. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
In the context of protecting the Natura zone where the race will take place, reducing environmental impact is a core objective.
Goals include reducing consumption of plastic, paper and water, and raising awareness about environmental value.
Discarding any waste or packaging along the route is strictly prohibited.
16. DISQUALIFICATION, PENALTIES, APPEALS
Appeals may be submitted only by the athlete and within 30 minutes after finishing. The decision of the appeals committee is final.
The organising committee may disqualify an athlete for the following violations:
• Failure to present or alteration of bib number
• Use of external assistance
• Use of motorised support
• Littering
• Obstructing another athlete
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Failure to follow judge instructions
• Rudeness or misconduct towards the committee, judges, volunteers, Secretariat
• Failure to appear at a control station
• Use of banned substances
• Refusal of a test
• Refusal of medical examination when required
• Dropping out without notifying a judge will result in exclusion from future events.
17. ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation options: https://www.taygetoschallenge.com/en/diamoni/
18. TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Nikos Kostopoulos
19. COPYRIGHT
By registering, each athlete permits photography and/or video recording during the race and awards for promotional purposes.
20. DISCLAIMER
The organising committee is not responsible for death, injury or any health damage of participants, who by submitting their application declare that they understand the risks of mountain terrain, have the necessary experience and are in good health. The organiser may stop an athlete from continuing the race if the race doctor deems it necessary.
21. MEDIA SPONSORS 2026
Runnermagazine.gr, Runningnews.gr, Advendure.com, iRunmagazine.gr, Runntail.gr, Trailgirl.gr
For the 15th year, we look forward to seeing you all again.
The Organising Committee since 2010
Facebook: @TaygetosChallenge
Instagram: @taygetos_challenge
Let’s remember the moments of the 14th Taygetos Challenge 2025 with the race Video
