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Nafplio castle run: one of the most beautiful races in the world
Respecting all the health protocols, 1100 runners from all over Greece took part in the 6th Nafplio Castle Run. Just like the Olympics, the event began with the lighting of a torch. Members of the Military School of Guards had the honour to carry the torch to the top of the castle. They lit the torch accompanied by the mayor of Nafplio.
Mayor of Nafplio Dimitris Kostouros expressed his joy over this event via social media: “”Palamidios Athlos” is the strength we have within us to move forward and to rise above overcoming difficulties! Congratulations to everyone!”
The Municipality of Nafplio, the Municipal Organization of Sports, Culture, Tourism and Environment and the sports club Argolidas organize the run in order to create a unique sporting event by attracting runners from all over Greece and abroad. The running event also aims to promote Nafplio and its beauty as well as its remarkable cultural heritage and tradition.
This year’s runners managed to overcome difficulties such as the pandemic and weather conditions. They even broke several records.
In the Castle climb race: Giorgos Dialektos and Giorgos Loufekis, broke their 2016 records by finishing the climb in 19.40 and 20.15 minutes respectively. First among the ladies was Maria Malai who finished the climb in 23:18 minutes.
In the 10km race: 2008 Olympian athlete, Deniz Dimaki scored an impressive 38.21, while her 12-year-old daughter took 3rd place in the general classification of 5km race.
“I finished first place! But yesterday I received the most important gift from my daughter! At just 12 years old, she ran in the women’s 5km and won 3rd place in the general! I saw her and I did not believe it! “I live a dream” I said to myself! I am now living what I dreamed of, to run together! Thank you God!” wrote the Olympian on social media.
In the 5km race: Panagiotis Karoutzos finished first with a time of 15.27, while Aggeliki Hatzi was the fastest one among women, finishing the race after 20.35 minutes.
Half Marathon: Evangelos Malioglou’s 1h13.23 time is remarkable, as it makes the 6th best performance in the history of the Nafplio competition.
The organizing committee congratulated the athletes for their participation, as well as their performance and effort. Participants had the opportunity to experience an unforgettable running event and climb to the unique castle of Palamideio, one of the most important architectural monuments in Greece.
Historical aspect of the Nafplio Castle
On the night of 29th November 1822, a group of 350 men led by Staiko Staikopoulos regained Palamideio by surprise. Since then, every last Sunday of November, Nafplio celebrates the liberation of the city, and Nafplio Castle Run surely is a crucial part of the celebration. It is notable to mention that the next year’s event will mark the 200 year anniversary since the liberation of Nafplio.
Photo credit: nafpliocastlerun.gr
