Trail Race 180 km, Ancient Nemea-Olympia

23-24 th May 2008

The “AETHLIOS” International Long-Distance Running Association, with the organizing of this 180 km Race, every two years, aspires to bring to world attention the Ancient Games linked to two of the most resplendent Stadia of ancient times:

• The ancient stadium of Ancient Nemea where, in our time, from 1996, are revived every 4 years the “ NEMEA” Games.
• And the stadium of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games where, for more than 12 centuries, had been glorified the Olympic Spirit and established the Sacred Truce. Here was lit formally for the first time in 776BC the Olympic Flame, just as in 1896 for the modern Olympic Games.

The layout of the route of the Race was based on knowledge of the most significant archaeological and historical evidence along the whole of its length, the beauty of the Peloponnese and the authenticity and hospitality of the villages which welcome the athletes as they pass through.

The route runs for 100 km along country roads with asphalt and 80 km of dirt tracks. The elevation differences total 3 700 meters.

« AETHLIOS » - International long distance running association

12, Thisseos street – 15232 Halandri/Athina – Greece
Tel. : 30 2 1068 44 305 – Fax : 210 68 44 305

http://nemeaolympiarace.free.fr

- Athletes have 28hrs to complete the race.

- As in ancient times, the athletes will find supplies and refreshments only in the 19 villages along the route.

- Distances between the supply points may be up to 22km and competitors are obliged to carry with them at least 500ml of water.

- Accompanying vehicles (bicycles, motorcycles, cars) ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

- No vehicles are allowed to traverse the dirt tracks except those of the race officials.

- The organizers bear no responsibility for individuals accompanying the athletes.

- The race signs will be made of environmentally friendly materials.

- The ranking of the athletes will be in accordance with the order of finishing. A separate ranking will be effected for women athletes.

Selection of Participants

Athletes will be chosen if they have performed and finished a race of at least 100 km during the 4 years before may 2008.

Other performances will be judged by the Organizers, within the limits of the event for possible participants. 100 athletes will be selected for participation in the Race and will be advised according to the order of their registration. The decision of the Organizers is final.

PROGRAMME

Thursday, 22 nd May

Meeting point for all athletes : in front of the Panathenan Stadium, Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue, (behind the National Gardens). Departure 15:30 hrs.

There is a bus service No E95 from the Airport to Syntagma Square, central Athens, as well as a METRO service (Syntagma Station). From both spots, there it is some 10min walk to get to the Panathenean Stadium.

The buses will be waiting to Kalamaki beach hotel, near the Corinth canal.

Registration of participants, allocation of race numbers, payment of participation fees, race Briefing : 19:00 - Dinner

Friday, 23 rd May

08:00-09:00 Breakfast and deposit of personal items in CP cartons

11:30 Lunch - 12:45 Departure for Ancient Nemea (40km)

13:45 Ceremony in the Ancient Nemea stadium

14:30 Starting of the race

Saturday, 24 th May

09:00-18:30 Arrival of athletes at finishing line in the front of the ancient Stadium of Olympia

Transfer and accommodation at the hotel in Olympia.

20:30: Award ceremony at the hotel

21:30: Dinner at the hotel

Sunday, 25 th May

08:00-09:30 Breakfast - 10:00-12:00 Visit to Archaeological site and Museum offered by the Association

12:30-15:00 Farewell luncheon at the hotel in Olympia.

15:30 Departure for Athens via Nemea.

EVENT IN NEMEA – Sunday May 25 th

Our Association AETHLIOS, in cooperation with local associations of Nemea, will organize a special event in Nemea to honour the athletes of the OLYMPIAN RACE 2008 on Sunday May 25 th, on our way back from Olympia.

 We will offer you a break of relaxation with local dishes and the famous Nemea wine, music and folk dances. We urge you all to be there and enjoy a great Greek evening!

However, we need your confirmation at the soonest possible for preparations.

Accommodation will be required for those who choose to participate in the Nemea event. This is confirmed with the Kalamaki beach hotel at a good price per double room including breakfast.

On Monday, May 26 th , a bus will leave the hotel at 09:00 hrs for Athens. Alternativly, the bus may take you to the new Corinth rail station and you can continue to Athens by train. There is a direct rail line to Athens Airport every two hours from Corinth. Same line takes you to central Athens via connecting stations with metro. Rail trip to airport lasts 1:30 hr and costs 8 €.

 Those who will not attend the Nemea event, the bus will take them directly from Olympia to Athens center (metro station).

Participation fee

EUR 260 per athlete for full participation in the program. Supporters have to pay € 200 for the same program. The fee will be paid in full and is not retournable after the 1st of May.
Additional fee 15 euros for bus service .

Awards

A “crown” of an olive branch, Winners cup, souvenir medallion, certificate of participation.

Closing date for entries 15 april 2008.

Route characteristics

Dirt tracks and pathways 80 km (as shown on the route map with a dark line)

Fording a river of about 50 cm depth

2002

2004

2006

Complete results of the previous races on this page : "results"

Map of the race