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Talos 2007
The UltraMarathon of Crete Mountain race is one of the biggest in distance marathons, the most beautiful in sight, and the hardest to keep up with all over the world. The distance is about five hundred twenty (520 km) kilometers. The race was inspired in August 1991, and it is scheduled by the marathon runner and also climber John Pantatosakis.
His origin is from a village called “Kalloni” (Beauty of Valley), and belongs to the municipality of Nikos Kazantzakis of Heraklio, Crete.
History: Who was Talos?
In July of 1992, the first Minoa Kelethos race took place. It was a formal organization, and its target was the transit pass of the island in fourteen days. Forty (40) men athletes and five (5) women athletes were participating. The organization had no competitive character. In July of 1994, the second “Minoa Kelethos” race took place, which had a competitive character and lasted for twelve days. During the race, forty-five (45) male athletes and five (5) women athletes participated.
Nineteen athletes fulfilled the distance. John Kouros was the first winner who was also a champion of high distances. Second came the marathon runner George Afordakos, and third John Saridakis.
In women’s performances, the first winner was Biki Karpouza. It must be noticed that the manager of this current athletic race is John Pantatosakis, who has also fulfilled both formal athletic races of ’92 and ’94.
In July of 2000, the first official “Talos” Ultramarathon race on Crete Mountain took place.
Route
Daily program
The race includes a hike and mountain climbing for 250 km and about 260 km of running races on asphalt and dirt roads.
Its starting point is the western part of Crete, and the finishing line is the eastern part of Crete. The trance pass goes through the most highlighted tourist places of the island.
The canyon of Samaria
It is located 43 km south of the city of Chania. It’s the largest canyon in Europe. Its length is 18 km, and it is well known for its imposing beauty. In some spots, the canyon reaches only 3m of width, and sometimes the vertical walls come up to over 600m of height. The canyon is traversed by a chimera, and every year, thousands of people visit it.
The Monastery of Arcadia
It is located 23 klm South-East of Rethymno. It’s a monastery built during the 16th century in a beautiful natural spot. It is connected with the most crucial moments of the recent history of the island (the Holocaust of Arcadia in 1866).
The cave of Ideon Andro
It is located 20 klm South of Anogia village in the tableland of Midas in the mountain of Psiloriti.
Mythology says that Rea gave birth to Zeus at Dikteon Andron, and there she hid Zeus when he was an infant in order to save him from Cronus. Devotional objects were found, such as statues and copper shields, which are now displayed in the Archeological Museum of Heraklio.
The Mount Psiloritis
The highest spot of the island (top of the mountain, Timios Stavros, is 2456m). It is one of the most beautiful and highest mountains of Greece.
Gortina
The remains of ancient Gortina are located 46 klm South of Heraklio. Gortina was a city that bloomed especially during the Roman period. It became the capital or Roman countryside of Crete and the Cyrenean period.
Kato Zakros
It is located 117 klm South-East of Saint Nikolaos.
The excavations brought to light a luxurious Minoan palace, the fourth in value, and also interesting objects that can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Zakros was a great naval base during the Minoan ages. Here is the finishing line of the game. Not to forget to mention that the athletes climb to the highest tops of the mountains of Crete, such as the White Mountains, Kryoneritis, Psiloritis, Asterousia Mountains, Lasithiotika Mountains, and Thryptis Mountain.
Dear athletes and friends,
I have the honour to invite you to the 2nd ultramarathon of Crete mountain TALOS 2007, 11-21 of July, to race and cross the historical and beautiful island of Crete. Come to celebrate together the resurgence of Crete, crossing, walking, climbing, and running. In the island of the oppositions, with the coasts, the paths, the tops of the mountains, plateaus, canyons, the Byzantine churches, the archaeological sites, and the infinite atmosphere of Cretan beauty.
Along with the coronation of victor you will take with you memorable experiences, you will write your own history that will mark your heart for the rest of your life.
Finally, I send a message to all Cretan people, who will learn of this athletic event, to support and help in this athletic, cultural, and naturalist race. Be sure that we will breast the tape of victory together in this ultramarathon Crete Crossing.
Regards,
The ultramarathon racer and climber
Ioannis D. Pantatosakis
Representative of Assocation Ultra runners of Crete
John Kouros
The man who races by his soul, exceeding any biological limit, the greatest ultramarathon racer ever, John Kouros, the athlete “phenomenon” has broken 70 world records in ultramarathons over 150 km.
John Kouros becomes from a poor family. At the age of 16 already became a very good racer of 1.500 m. The first big success came in 1983, when I came first in the national marathon of “Spartathlos”.The foreigners were doubtful about the result, and they invited him to a marathon in New York with judges, and he came first again, forcing the foreigners to bow to his great talent.
Until today, he has broken 153 world records and his name is in Guiness book for ultramarathons 24 hours, 48 hous and six days, 1000 Km Sydney-Melburne in Australia.