GNTO sponsors combination of sports, tourism events in June

Athens-Greece.- A series of activities combining international sports with tourism will take place in various regions of Greece in June, under the aegis of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

On Saturday (June 1), the Glyfada Golf Club will host the second “Women’s Golf Day” event for the second year. It is an international sports institution taking place in 84 countries, and involves golf games by women for fundraising purposes, to support women and female entrepreneurship. Part of the Greek funds raised will be donated to the ‘Elpida’ Association of Friends of Children with Cancer.

On Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, the 3rd Paros Way including swimming (750 m, 1,500 m, 3,000 m), running (5 km, 21.1 km/semi-marathon), and an aquathlon will take place in Parikia on the island of Paros. The aquathlon will include a 750 m swimming competition and a 5 km race. It is expected to attract hundreds of athletes from Greece and abroad.

On Sunday, June 16, the Kerkini Lake Run will take place again in central Macedonia. It includes races of 21.1 km, 13.5 km, a children’s race of 1.5 km, and actions promoting the region and its products. Over 700 athletes with 300 chaperones are expected.

On the same day (June 16), the third annual international ‘Fly Athens’ Street Pole Vault will take place at the forecourt of the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro). It is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Series in the silver category and is inspired by Greek pole vault athlete Emmanuil Karalis, who is also organizing it.

A week later, on Sunday, June 23, the island of Gavdos will hold the 3rd Sports Celebration Day of Gavdos Municipality. It includes an 8 km race on rough terrain and a 1 km children’s race, starting and ending at the Stone Theater of Sarakiniko. Nearly 200 athletes from Greece and abroad are expected. The purpose of the race is for residents and visitors to share a sports celebration and for the island, the southernmost spot of Europe, to promote its environmental and cultural identity.

The final event of June will take place from June 28 to 30 (Friday to Sunday): the 20th Olympus Marathon, a 44 km race in beautiful scenery that follows the sacred procession of ancient pilgrims. Athletes will start off from Dion, then race up ‘the mountain of the gods’ before ending up at Litochoro.

The Olympus Marathon includes the races Olympus Ultra (71 km), Olympus Vertical (4.25 km), Eagle Edge (12.5 km) and Melindra Trail/Olympic Paths (5 km). Children’s races from 500 m to 1 km will also take place. According to organizer estimates, over 5,000 people are expected to visit the area during the Olympus Marathon.