5 kilometers from the center of Chania, just above the village of Nerokouru, rises the first mountain belonging to the Lefka Ori foothills. The mountain is called Verekynthos, but among runners it is known simply as Malaxa (after the name of the village located on the top). The most important thing is that the entire mountain is covered with a maze of paths – perfect for running. This is where the Chania Trail Event competition takes place.
Malaxa’s paths are narrow and generally soft, although there are plenty of rocks as well. The route is full of descents and ascents, rather short but sometimes very steep because the level differences on the route reach 500 m. The views along the route are also amazing: the panorama of Chania, the Rodopos and Akrotiri peninsulas, and the closest one is the Souda Bay.
Due to its location on the outskirts of the city and relatively easy routes, the Chania Trail Event can be treated as an excellent introduction to true mountain running during the Sfakia Sky Marathon.