On Sunday, October 7th, 2018, the Athletic Health Club’s CRETE Half Marathon at Arkalochori offers runners the unique opportunity to enjoy an idyllic course. Runners of all levels will take part in 10km, 5km, and 1km races.
The international event takes runners of all ages and condition levels across some of Crete’s most beautiful villages and landscapes. Starting and finishing in historic Arkalochori, the race winds through the municipality of Minoa Pediadas, through olive groves and vineyards, and a natural wonderland once ruled by the famous Minoans.
There will be four races in all this year including the half marathon; a 10km run to Houmeri, a village in Crete, with a finish at the Arkalochori exhibition center; a 5k circle run inside the village of Arkalochori; and a 1km event for children (6-12years). The routes can be seen here.
The goal of the race is to demonstrate the benefits of exercising for life and for your health. This year, as in the past, organizers have created a hilarious promotional video to herald the coming of the annual event. In this episode traditional Cretans “rescue” a German tourist from an apparent suicide attempt impending. They take the unwitting hiker from a clifftop and offer him the unparalleled Cretan hospitality, showing him their rich culture, mouth-watering cuisine, music, and dance.
The Crete Half Marathon is sanctioned by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) and by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The entrance fee for each race is €15 euro. Readers interested in registering online should visit the official website here.