The Taygetos Challenge was founded in 2010 to showcase the stunning region of West Mani and the lesser-known sides of Mount Taygetos. The event, organized by 2407 Mountain Activities with Nikos Kostopoulos as Technical Director, sought to connect athletes with the area’s most scenic trails. In its inaugural year, the race featured a challenging 37km Marathon with 2,100 meters of elevation gain and a 650m Vertical Speed race. The notorious “Koudouna” climb, where athletes rang a large bell before continuing their technical descent, became a hallmark of the race. The local community’s embrace of the event made it a warm and welcoming experience for all participants.
In 2011, the race route underwent modifications, becoming slightly shorter but with more elevation, and incorporating additional trail sections to enhance the rugged character of the event. The Vertical Speed race remained an adrenaline-packed spectacle, and a new 19km race was introduced to offer a more accessible challenge for athletes not aiming for the full distance. The “Koudouna” still loomed large, continuing to test the limits of both physical and mental stamina.
2012 was a standout year with the hosting of the Salomon Advanced Week in Kardamyli. International athletes from Salomon’s team participated, helping to spread the word about the region’s beauty. However, the event was overshadowed by a tragic incident when English athlete John Lawton went missing during the race. Despite an extensive search, he was found months later. On a positive note, a 4km race was introduced for beginners, offering a less intense option for participants.
The event maintained its four-race format, but the main route was improved with the discovery of a beautiful, old trail running through the wildlife sanctuary of Dubitsia. This added a new layer of scenic beauty, replacing the “Koudouna” with a climb to the chapel of St. George’s bell, maintaining the tradition but offering a more manageable ascent.
In 2014, the event gained even more recognition with the official naming of the Taygetos Challenge and became part of the Greek Skyrunning Championship as the season’s first race. This marked the beginning of a strong partnership with Salomon, further elevating the event’s profile and bringing in more participants and sponsors.
The 2015 event saw an influx of new major sponsors like RunnerStore and Loux, allowing for significant improvements in race organization and participant amenities. These upgrades helped enhance the overall experience, making it even more attractive to both local and international runners.
In 2016, the March 25 bank holiday creates the conditions for a long weekend and the need of the city man to get in touch with nature, to escape from anything artificially made, to get muddy, to get scratched and through this process to become a little child again, even for a while, may be more necessary than ever.
In 2017 and 2018, the Taygetos Challenge continued its steady growth, with even more participants and ever-increasing enthusiasm. The event retained its reputation as a top-tier race in the region, attracting athletes from around Greece and beyond.
The 10th anniversary of the Taygetos Challenge in 2019 was a true celebration, marking a record 593 participants. This milestone signified the race’s maturation into an event on par with major European and international trail races. It was a testament to the hard work of the organizing team, volunteers, and sponsors, all of whom contributed to the event’s success.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taygetos Challenge was unfortunately postponed for two consecutive years to prioritize the health and safety of athletes, volunteers, and spectators. The organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the events, but it only fueled the anticipation for the race’s return.
The 2022 race was a triumphant return after two years of absence, marking 10+1 years of the Taygetos Challenge. The public’s response was overwhelming, with participation numbers doubling compared to 2019. The addition of the new 10km race made the event accessible to newcomers, and local athlete Nikos Ponireas made history by setting a new course record in the 20km race. The event’s success was a celebration of the race’s legacy and the community’s ongoing support.
The 12th edition of the Taygetos Challenge saw even further growth and refinement, with Intersport as the main sponsor. The event maintained its four-race format, including the 37km Marathon and 20km Experience, providing a challenge for athletes of all levels. With smooth organization and high participation, the 2023 event reaffirmed the race’s place as one of the most prestigious trail races in Greece.
The 2024 edition of the Taygetos Challenge introduced exciting updates, including a partnership with Hansaplast as the exclusive sponsor of the 40km Marathon. The new course featured a thrilling descent from Kalyves toward Vyrós Gorge, followed by a tough climb through the picturesque Stenema area. Both the Marathon and Experience routes were redesigned to provide a more balanced combination of challenge and scenic beauty, offering runners an unforgettable experience.
