Samaria gorge is the largest in Europe, of 18 km total length and the width ranges from 150 to 3 meters at its narrowest point, the “Doors”. It was proclaimed a national park in 1962 to protect its rare flora and fauna. In 1980, it awarded by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. Thanks to the wild and precipitous form, it is the only place that still lives the "beast", as the locals call the Cretan chamois. There are additionally many rare species of birds and along the gorge grow many rare herbs and wild flowers.
The race
The race of 17,6 kilometers passes the first half of the Samaria Gorge.
Starting at the site of "Mahi" (altitude 1200m., rural road junction to shelter Kallergi).) we run on a smooth uphill asphalt road of 1.5km and reach Xyloskalo (altitude 1250m. Entrance of the canyon Samaria). Here is the first point of supply.
From there we enter the path of the Samaria Gorge. The first 500 steps of the path are quite steep, but then it continues gently downhill.
At 3.150 m of the race we find the water source "Neroutsos (altitude 1000m.) and at 3.930 m the water source of "Fig Tree Root (elevation 810m).
Then the race continues to a gently sloping path, always the key path of the Samaria Gorge to reach 4.750 m. point where the guardhouse of St. Nicholas church is (altitude 660m). This is the lowest elevation point on the route. Here is the second point of supply.
From this point on by following the signs we leave the main path of the Samaria Gorge in eastern direction. The path is visible and uphill until 6.620 m. point of the route in place Kalyvaki (guardhouse of the National Park. Altitude 950m).
This is a point with panoramic and breathtaking view of the gorge of Samaria. Then we head up north where the trail reaches the 7.820 m. point where the third point of supply is based (altitude 910m).
After the supply point follows a pretty steep path towards the North East until the 10.870m point of the race (Mitato Vigla altitude of 1460m.), which is also the fourth point of supply. From here we follow the little dirt road uphill towards the west to 15.000 m point of the race to the fifth point of supply at the shelter Kallergis (altitude 1.600 m).
From Kalergis shelter we continue downhill on a dirt road (2500m.) and then enter the footpath towards the South West and completing the circle to reach 20.000m to Xiloskalo (altitude 1250m.) where the race ends.
Equipment
To safely and quickly run the race route we recommend the following equipment:
Isothermal blouse: one that removes the sweat and keep you as dry as possible.
Wind proof coat: If instability of the weather on the day of the race we recommend a very lightweight windproof coat to protect you from sharp temperature differences from varying altitudes.
Cost
Fees: The fee is 20 euros. The price includes the right to participate in the race, all support and supply at the stations on the route, diploma - medal, t-shirt, transportation to and from Chania.
To complete the registration the entry fee should be paid as soon as possible into a bank account or paid at the offices of the EOS Chania.
Starting the race
The start of the race will be on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at the Omalos plateau at “Maxi” area at 8:30. A time limit to finish the race is set at 5 hours.