TeRA

The route is as follows:

Tsepelovo – Avalos – Siadi Mygas – Davalista – Dragon Lake (Drakolimni) – Astraka Refuge – Robozis Lake – Avgerinos – Beloi – Vradeto – Tsepelovo (finish).

The race starts at the Tsepelovo High School. After crossing the village within the first 1 km, it enters a dirt road for 3 kilometers and then switches to a trail at 4.2 km. At 6.5 km, runners reach the location “STANI” (water station) at an elevation of 1,724 m and a positive elevation gain of +630 m. At 9.2 km, passing through the Megala Litharia passage, athletes can admire the peak Gkoura on their right and the peak Krevati on their left, both part of the Tymfi mountain range.

At 11 km (2,320 m, +1,315 m), the route crosses the neck pass of Tsouka Rosa (Avalos), where the first Aid Station is located. The leading runners will have the rare opportunity to witness the sunrise and the grandeur of the Aoos gorge from the race’s highest point — a truly unforgettable experience! The route then descends for 4 km to the location KATSANOS (1,665 m, +1,375 m) and hits the first steep ascent, gaining 250 m of elevation over just 650 meters of distance.

At 19.5 km, runners arrive at the stunning location of SIADI TIS MYGAS (1,435 m, +1,712 m). Here, they can admire the imposing peak of Gamila rising to the southwest, as well as the pines growing on the huge rocks. After another 1.5 km through dense forest and passing by the spot “KALOGERIKO” (1,340 m, +1,722 m), the trail becomes steeply downhill. The towering pine trees, through which one can glimpse the entire northern side of Tymfi, provide valuable shelter from all weather conditions.

At 23 km, about 3 km before Moni Stomiou, runners reach the 2nd Aid Station and the race’s cut-off point, with an elimination time limit of 4 hours and 45 minutes from the start. From this station begins perhaps the toughest climb of the race, leading to the Davalista pass (water station). Over a distance of 2.5 km, the elevation gain shoots up by 700 m.

Runners then traverse for 2.5 km beneath the sheer cliffs of Davalista until reaching the wild goat ravine, where they can catch their breath while taking in the view of the Konitsa plain and the Aoos River running through it. After another ascent with a +250 m elevation gain, athletes reach the Tsoumanis Hollow, the Lakes Plateau, and Rizinas Lake, known for its rich aquatic vegetation. At the start of the ascent leading to the famous DRAGON LAKE of Tymfi, there is a water station to assist runners both on the climb at 31 km and the descent at 34 km. At Dragon Lake, there will also be the 1st Checkpoint.

With its elliptical shape, the lake sits on Tymfi’s alpine meadow, captivating runners — a rare sight for Greece. At 37 km, the route passes by the ASTRACA REFUGE (3rd Aid Station and Checkpoint).

The route then continues toward the enchanting Robozis Lake (40 km) and descends toward Mega Lakkos, one of the most beautiful and impressive areas of Tymfi, reaching the Avgerinos Aid Station (47 km).

For the next ~6 km, the trail is mostly downhill and not particularly difficult, passing through the spectacular “Beloi” viewpoint (Checkpoint). If they wish, runners can make an extra 250-meter detour to enjoy this natural “balcony” with its unique view, before heading to the village of Vradeto (53 km – Checkpoint), where another Aid Station awaits to help replenish energy for the final kilometers of the race.

The course continues downhill, passing the stone-built Vradeto Steps for about another 2 km. Here, at the 54 km mark, begins the last continuous ascent, leading to the Loutsa area (58 km).

Finally, descending through the Tsepelovo Steps, tired but fulfilled by this entire “journey,” runners will finish at the same place they started — the Tsepelovo High School.