‘Syros City Trail 2016’ Race Schedule Announced

The port of Syros. Photo by Theodoros Georntamilis

For the second year running, the Syros City Trail is taking place on the island of Syros. The aim of the run, which will be held on September 3 this year, is to promote the historical and cultural heritage of Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, via major attractions along the running routes.

By running in the “Syros City Trail 2016” participants will discover an island where Greek tradition and western influence are successfully combined. Syros is one of most interesting islands of the Cyclades due to its glorious past and unique combination of the Greek Classicism and Rennaisance styles, the Cycladic culture and its Roman Catholic and Orthodox history.

Photo by Thanos Arvanitis

2nd Syros City Trail – Routes

1st Syros City Trail – 10k race runners. Photo by Dimitra Kyriakopoulou

Participants, professional and amateur runners, can choose one of three routes: A 10k route for experienced athletes, a 4k route for new runners and a 1k route for kids.

10k Race: The length of the main route is 10km with elevation of 320m. 95% of the terrain consists of stone paved alleys and 5,000 steps. The start time is at 5:30 pm in the Town Hall Square (Miaouli Square).

4k Race: The length of the shorter route is 4km with elevation of 155m. 98% of the terrain consists of stone paved alleys and 1,800 steps. The start time is at 5:30 pm in the Town Hall Square (Miaouli Square).

1k Race (Kid’s race): The length of the children’s route is 1km with elevation of 16m. 98% of the terrain consists of stone paved alleys and a few steps. The start time is at 4:45 pm in the Town Hall Square.

Race schedule

Town Hall Square (Miaouli Square).

Friday, 2nd of September 2016
20:00 – Gathering at Miaouli Square
20:20 – Departure for the Kyveli Institute*
20:30 to 21:00 – Tour of the Institute
21:00 – Race Briefing for the 4k race
21:15 – Race Briefing for the 10k race
21:30 – Q&A
21:40 – Movie for the great Demetrious Vikelas

* The Kyveli Institute is at Leonidou Street 4, in Agios Nikolaos, Ermoupolis

After Party at Asteria Beach, Syros.

Saturday, 3rd of September 2016
10:00 – Reception opens at Miaouli Square
16:40 – Registrations end
16:45 – Kids’ race (1 km) start
17:30 – 10km and 4km start
20:30 – Race Finish
20:45 – Awards ceremony
21:00 – Finish
22:30 – After Party at Asteria Beach Syros

For further information, check out the event’s Facebook page.

Athletes from abroad can book their participation here.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor of the 2nd Syros City Trail.

A few words about Syros

Ermoupoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the capital town of Syros and was the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century. Evidence of this glorious past is apparent on the public buildings (City Hall, Customs Office, “Apollo” theatre), the neoclassical houses and the beautiful squares. Due to its economic activity, Ermoúpoli has been called the “Manchester of Greece” and the history of its years of blossom is exhibited in the Industrial Museum.

Syros is also well-known for its gastronomic delights. Halva pie (a pie made of thyme honey and roasted almonds), loukoúmi (a delight made of water, starch and sugar), “loosa” ham, fennel sausages and the San Mihalis spicy cheese (appellation d’origine contrôlée/”protected designation of origin”) will no doubt satisfy even the most demanding taste buds.

Also, internationally acclaimed festivals are held on Syros, offering a wide range of choices and covering any taste, such as the International Cyclades Music Festival, the Classical Music Festival, the Ermoupólia and the Musical May.

Golden sand and transparent waters await all swimmers on the beaches of Syros. All visitors will find their ideal swimming paradise, whether looking for organized beaches, like Galissas and Azolimnos, or private beaches offering isolation.