‘Santorini Experience’ 2017 Attracts Top Athletes – Schedule Announced

Photo by Elias Lefas

All is set for Greece to host the “Santorini Experience”, one of the country’s top sports and tourism events, due to take place for the 3rd consecutive year on October 6-8, 2017, on the island of Santorini.

Participants include professional and amateur swimmers and runners from around the world.

This year’s program begins in the morning of Friday, October 6, with a focus on children. More specifically the 1 km kids running race will be held at 10:00 am, at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS in Fira.

On Friday at 12:00 pm, the well-established “Meet & Greet” event will be held in the presence of the silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis; the Olympic and World Champion in 400 meters with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis; the World Champion in open water swimming Kelly Araouzou, as well as top athletes from the Greek open water national team. It will take place at the Alafouzos Sport store (official sponsor of the event, supporting “Santorini Experience” for a third year in a row) in Fira.

Furthermore, twice Silver Olympic Medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, once more will undertake the task of introducing the “secrets” of the TaeKwonDo martial art to beginners (at 15:00 pm) and advanced athletes (at 16:00 pm) at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS in Fira.

Photo by Vangelis Patsialos

Running, Swimming Dominate “Santorini Experience” 2017

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, professional and amateur runners will have the chance to run on the Caldera and increase the adrenaline. The start of the 10 km and 15 km running routes will take place at 8:15 am and the start of the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” route at 11:00 am. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia.

On Sunday, October 8, 2017, professional and amateur swimmers will have the chance to feel the energy of the event and the atmosphere of the volcano, while looking at the imposing view of the island! The 1.5 mile (2.4 km) swimming race of “Santorini Experience”, will start at 11:00 am from the volcano and finish at the old port in Fira. The swimming route will be carried out with safety in the magical waters of Santorini, under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the technical direction of Federal Technical Coach, Nikos Gemelos, who has designed the unique route.

The race will be held with the participation of the World Champion in open water swimming Kelly Araouzou, as well as athletes from the Greek open water swimming national team.

In the following link you may find the schedule of this year’s event: http://www.santorini-experience.com/en/event-info/schedule/schedule-2017.html

Photo by Elias Lefas

Online Registrations

Online registrations in swimming and running will continue until September 28th through the official page of the event in the link, http://activemedia.com.gr/product/santorini-experience-2017/, or at the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport store in Fira on Santorini.

From Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7, 2017, all participants will be able to receive their numbers from the Alafouzos Sport store (hours: 09:00-21:00). Alternatively, the running participants may also receive their numbers one hour before the start of their route on Saturday October 7, 2017, from the desalination plant in Oia while the swimming participants may also receive their numbers one hour before the start of the race on Sunday, October 8, 2017, from the old port in Fira.

Samsung is the official technology partner of the event and will offer an “eco-system” of Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, combined with the camera Gear 360 and Gear VR, will enrich the experience of the participants and the spectators of the event with unique 360 degrees content.

VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts and will offer information on the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation on the island. For more information visit: http://vitantravel.gr/home/

Ryanair is the official airline partner of “Santorini Experience”. The official sponsors of the event include Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport and Athina Luxury Suites.

The “Santorini Experience” official supporters are Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Wyndham Grand Athens and the Santorini Boatmen Union.

Hospitality sponsors include: Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia Hotel, Esperas Santorini, Sienna Residencies, Hotel Rivari Santorini, White Pearl Villas.

The event is also assisted by the Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises, Alios Ilios, the Lifeguard Patrol, the National Lifeguards of Santorini and the Aegean Divers.

“Santorini Experience” will take place under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Swimming Federation. It is co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, DAPPOS and Active Media Group.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a communication sponsor of the event.