Greece’s historic event Run Messinia- an ultra marathon race- begins today October 2nd, in Messinia, in the Peloponnese, honouring the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek Revolution.
Messinia is a special place for the Greek Revolution of 1821, as it’s home to historical battles, great heroes and fighters. It is a region where some of the most important battles were held, such as the battle of Sphacteria, in Niokastro, the battle of Maniaki, which cost the life of Greek hero Papaflessas; and also the naval battle of Navarino, which essentially sealed the end of the Revolution and marked the liberation of Greece, resulting in the establishment of the modern Greek state.
This special event held between October 2-11, 2021, will take place in eight Municipalities of Messinia, Laconia and Arcadia and will include a total of 10 marathons, within 10 consecutive days.
The event will showcase all the areas associated with the Greek Revolution in Messinia both culturally and touristically. From Areopoli of Laconia to historical places such as among others Stoupa, Kardamyli, Verga, Kalamata, Nedousa, Alagonia, Dyrachio, Neochori, Poliani, Skala, Paloukorahi, Katsarou, Solaki, and other historic sites, to the end of the races at historic Pylos.
Run for Freedom will start on Saturday, October 2nd, from Areopoli of the East Mani Municipality, pass through Stoupa of the West Mani Municipality and end in Kardamyli.
On Sunday, October 3rd, starting from Kardamyli, will pass through Verga of the Kalamata Municipality and end in the city of Kalamata.
On Monday, October 4th, the athletes starting from Kalamata will cross Nedousa and finish in Alagonia.
On Tuesday, October 5th, the runners starting from Alagonia will pass through Dyrachio and Neochori of the Megalopoli Municipality and complete their effort in Poliani of the Kalamata Municipality.
From Poliani, on Wednesday, October 6th, participants will cross Skala and end up in Paloukorahi of the Oichalia Municipality.
On Thursday, October 7th, the route will highlight historical places of the Oichalia Municipality, as the athletes starting from Paloukorahi will cross Katsarou, Solaki, Meropi, Loutro, Diavolitsi, Ano Psari, Dorio and end up at the statue of Kolokotronis in Ramovouni.
On Friday, October 8th, starting from Ramovouni, the runners will pass through Zerbisia of the Messini Municipality, Kalogeresi, Saint Nikitas Sellas and Tripyla of the Trifylia Municipality, in order to reach Maniaki of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality.
On Saturday, October 9th, the participants will start from Maniaki, pass through Agios Andreas of the Messini Municipality and Kato Minagia and finish in Koroni.
On Sunday, October 10th, the route will move exclusively within the Pylos-Nestor Municipality from Koroni to Methoni and then to Pylos.
The 10th and final route of Run for Freedom to be held on Monday, October 11th, starting from Pylos, will provide runners with the opportunity of passing through Niokastro, observing Sphacteria and Paleokastro, while crossing Kremmidia and Schinolakka.
According to the event organisers, “Run Messinia will leave a legacy for the future of the place, as it highlights and promotes through its social media, the historical places, the battles and all the monuments, through which runners will pass.”
For more details head to runmessinia