|
TALOS 2007
|
The UltraMarathon of Crete Mountain race is one of the
biggest in distance marathon, the most beautiful in sight and
the harder to keep up with in all over the world. The distance
is about five hundred twenty (520 km) kilometers. The race was
inspired, in August 1991, and it is scheduled by the marathon
runner and also climber John Pantatosakis.
His origin is from a village called “Kalloni (Beauty of Valley)
“and belongs to the municipality of Nikos Kazatzakis of Heraklio
Crete. In July of 1992 the first “Minoa Kelethos“ race took place,
it was a formal organization and its target was the trance pass
of the island in fourteen days. Forty (40) men athletes and five
(5) women athletes were participating. The organization had no
competition character. In July of 1994 the second
“Minoa Kelethos” race took place which had a competitive character
and hold on for twelve days. During the race forty five (45) men
athletes and five (5) women athletes participated.
Nineteen athletes fulfilled the distance. John Kouros was the
first winner who is also a champion of high distances. Second
came the marathon runner George Afordakos and third John Saridakis.
In women’s performances, first winner was Biki Karpouza. It must
be noticed that the manager of this current athletic race is John
Pantatosakis, who has also fulfilled both formal athletic races
of ’92 and ’94.
In July of 2000 the first official “Talos” Ultramarathon race
of Crete Mountain took place.
|
The race includes hike and
mountain climbing for 250 km and about 260 km of running races
in asphalts and dirt roads.
Its starting point is the Western spot of Crete and the finishing
line is the Eastern spot of Crete. The trance pass goes through
the most highlight touristic places of the island.
• The canyon of Samaria
It is located 43 km south of the city of Chania. It’s
the largest canyon of Europe. Its length is 18 km and it is well
known for its imposing beauty. In some spots the canyon reaches
only 3m of width and sometimes the vertical walls come up over
to 600m of height. The canyon is trance passed by a chimera and
every year thousands of people visit it.
• The Monastery of Arcadia
It is located 23 klm South-East of Rethymno. It’s a monastery
built during the 16th century in a beautiful natural spot. It
is connected with the most crucial moments of recent history of
the island (Holocaust of Arcadia in 1866).
• The cave of Ideon Andro
It is located 20 klm South of Anogia village in the
table- land of Midas in the mountain of Psiloriti.
Mythology says that Rea gave birth to Zeus at Dikteon Andron
and there she hided Zeus when he was an infant in order to save
him from Cronus. Devotional objects were found such as statues
and coppery shields, which are now exposed in the Archeological
Museum of Heraklio.
• The mount Psiloritis
The highest spot of the island (top of the mountain,
Timios Stavros, is 2456m) It is one of the most beautiful and
highest mountains of Greece.
• Gortina
The remaining of ancient Gortina is located 46 klm
South of Heraklio. Gortina was a city which bloomed especially
during the Roman’s period. It became the capital or Roman countryside
of Crete and Cyrenean period.
• Kato Zakros
It is located 117 klm South-East of Saint Nikolaos.
The excavations brought up into light a luxurious Minoan palace,
the forth in value, and also interesting objects that can be
found in the Archeological museum of Heraklio. Zakros was a
great navy base during the Minoan ages. Here is the finishing
line of the game. Not to forget to mention that the athletes
climb to the highest tops of the mountains of Crete such as:
White Mountains, Kryoneritis, Psiloritis, Asterousia Mountains,
Lasithiotika Mountains and Thryptis Mountain.
|
|
|
Dear
athletes and friends
I have the honour to invite you to the 2nd ultramarathon of Crete
mountain TALOS 2007, 11-21 of July to race and cross the historical
and beautiful island of Crete . Come to celebrate together the
resurgence of Crete crossing, walking, climbing and running. In
the island of the oppositions, with the coasts, the paths, the
tops of the mountains, plateaus, canyons, the byzantine churches,
the archeaological sites, and the infinity atmosphere of cretan
beauty.
Along with the coronal of victor you will take with you memorable
expriences, you will write your own history that will mark your
heart for the rest of your life.
Finally, i send a message to all cretan people, who will learn
of this athletic event, to support and help in this athletic,
cultural and naturalist race. Be sure that we will breast the
tape of victory together in this ultramarathon Crete Crossing.
Regards
The ultramarathon racer and climber
Ioannis D. Pantatosakis
Representative of Assocation Ultra runners of Crete |
|
John Kouros
The man who race by his soul, exceeding any biological
limit, the greatest ultramarathon racer ever, John Kouros, The athlete
"fenomenon" has broken 70 world records in ultramarathons
over 150 km..
John Kouros becomes from a poor family. In the age of 16 already
became a very good racer of 1.500 m. The first big success came
in 1983, when came first in the national marathon of "Spartathlos".The
foreigners were doubtful about the result and they invete him in
a marathon in New York with judges and he came first again, enforcing
the foreigners to bow to his great talent.
Until today he broke 153 world records and his name is in Guiness
book for ultramarathons 24 hous, 48 hous and six days, 1000 Km Sydney-Melburne
in Australia. |
|
Sponsors
Communication
Sponsors
|