‘Santorini Experience 2016’ – Registrations are Open!

Privileged accommodation packages during the days of the event!

Entries have opened for the “Santorini Experience”, taking place on October 7-9. For the second year in a row, fans of swimming, running and of Santorini Island will experience breathtaking views, challenging routes and a rewarding experience!

Running

On Saturday, October 8, runners of all abilities can select the ideal running route and live out their very own Santorini experience while overlooking the unique images of the volcano, the Caldera and the sites Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia: 5 km (running and dynamic walking), 10 km and 15 km (total positive altitude: 834 m.).

The routes have been designed and rearranged this year by former marathon runner and holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.

The 10 km and 15 km routes kick off at the same time — 08:15 am (with a limit of 150 participants per route), while the starting time of the 5km route will take place at 11:00 (with a limit of 200 participants).

All routes will begin from the desalination plant in Oia with an initial direction towards Fira and athletes return back at 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km points, respectively, to finish their running at the same point where they started.

Runners will discover the trail that connects Oia with Fira overlooking the Caldera of Santorini (Thira), named after the first Spartan colonist of the island. A detailed description of all routes, including maps and technical details (altitude) is available here.

It is noted that three vertical running routes will be prepared this year to enrich the weekend schedule of the event.

Swimming

Ancient Santorini (Thira) was an earthly paradise, destroyed in 1,500 BC, along with a multitude of nearby coasts, sinking brilliant samples of the Aegean civilization. This description fits perfectly with what Plato had said in regards to the mythical land of Atlantis that was completely destroyed, leaving no trace behind.

So… over the sunken “Atlantis”, swimmers can practice their favorite sport by swimming the unique “Santorini Experience” route of 1.5 mile (2.4 km), on Sunday, October 9, at 10:00 am, from the volcano to the old port in Fira.

The route has been designed by the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, with Olympic and World distinctions in open water swimming and Technical Director of the event in swimming, Nikos Gemelos.

The event this year will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), a first-time happening in an open water swimming competition in a sports tourism event.

Those interested can now register in the swimming or running categories through the official page of the event.

Special travel packages available!

For those wishing to combine sports with tourism and take advantage of their stay in one of the most beautiful islands in the world — if not the most beautiful — privileged packages starting from 300 euros for two people for three days – two nights (including transportation, accommodation, food and participation in the event) are available.

Interested parties may contact the hospitality sponsors of the event — Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Central Fira Hotel, Sienna Residencies, Memories Hotel and Loizos Stylish Residencies — here. The page will be updated daily with new supporters. Discounts on transportation to Santorini will also be announced in the coming days.

The event this year will be promoted internationally as FOX Sports of FOX Networks Group is the Official Broadcaster of the “Santorini Experience” sports documentary. The vast television network of FOX Sports will broadcast the unique images of sports tourism in Santorini to millions of homes in Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Santorini Experience” is a collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Sponsors of the event are Alafouzos Sport and the Santorini Boatmen Union.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a Strategic Communication Partner of the “Santorini Experience” event.