20.07.2024
Sfakia Sky Marathon - Race Regulations
1. GENERAL
The “SfakiaSkyMarathon” is a distinguished mountain marathon race set in the captivating landscapes of the southern White Mountains and the province of Sfakia within the prefecture of Chania. Spanning a course of 44.1 kilometers, this race presents a formidable elevation gain of around 3,050 meters with a corresponding 2,480 meters of descent. The race route encompasses elements of both “out-and-back” philosophy and other distinctive features.
2. TIME OF CONDUCT
Scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024 the race will commence at 8:00 in the morning from the picturesque coastal village of Loutro, following the athletes’ disembarkation from the ANENDYK ship. With a duration of 10 ½ hours, the race concludes at 18:30, where participants are expected to reach the finish line in the heart of Anopolis village square.
3. RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE
i. Open to men and women aged 18 and above. Exceptions may be considered for underage participants who have demonstrated exceptional performance in a similar mountain running race, subject to approval by the race organizing committee, along with a signed parental consent.
ii. Meeting the specific criteria outlined in Article 4 of this Regulation.
4. PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
To participate in the Sfakia Sky Marathon, runners must have completed two (2) mountain running races covering a minimum of half-marathon distance (i.e. 21 km) within the preceding 3 years.
5. REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Interested individuals must complete the electronic application form via the race website. Upon satisfying the stipulated criteria as defined by the regulations, applications will be approved. Registration commences on Monday, July 22, 2024, and concludes on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 23:59. No extensions beyond this deadline will be granted.
6. PAYMENT
Registration is deemed finalized only upon receipt of payment.
7. INCLUSIONS
The participation fee encompasses the following:
1. Race number.
2. Medical Support.
3. Complimentary ferry transfer from Chora Sfakion to Loutro.
4. Water supply prior to the start.
5. Fueling stations offering spaghetti, boiled potatoes, water, nuts, specialized energy gels, Cola soft drinks, and fruit.
6. Post-race lunch.
7. Return transportation from Anopoli to Chora Sfakion following the event’s conclusion.
8. Athlete’s bag containing souvenirs and other gifts.
8. CANCELLATION OF PARTICIPATION
Participants withdrawing from the race until October 10, 2024, will receive a refund of the registration fee within 10 working days. Any associated transfer fees are the responsibility of the athlete. After October 10, 2024, no refunds will be granted for any reason.
9. NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Considering organizational challenges and environmental responsibility associated with a mountainous sporting event, the participation cap for 2024 is set at 150 individuals. Entries are non-transferable and unique to each athlete.
10. CATEGORIES
Various categories include Independent Team, General Men, General Women, with recognition and awards for the top three athletes, as well as the youngest and oldest successful finisher.
11. MEDICAL EXAMINATION
While a medical certificate is not obligatory, athletes are encouraged to participate only if their recent medical evaluation confirms their fitness for a strenuous mountain race.
12. INSURANCE
Participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage, considering the high-risk nature of outdoor activities. It’s recommended to have a charged mobile phone and know the emergency number 112.
13. COPYRIGHT
The Organization retains copyright for race photography and filming undertaken by authorized associates, and athletes accept this condition upon application.
14. ATHLETE NUMBER
Athletes must display their race number on the front of their shirt throughout the race.
15. ATHLETE NUMBER PICKUP
Athlete numbers can be collected from the race secretariat in Chora Sfakion on Friday, October 25, 18.00-20.00, and Saturday, October 26, 6:30-7:15 a.m., , upon presentation of identification.
16. AWARDS
The awards ceremony will take place at 17:15 in the square of Anopoli.
17. EQUIPMENT
While not mandatory, certain equipment such as specialized backpacks, water bottles, poles, hats, windproof/waterproof gear, and mobile phones are recommended for safety and comfort.
18. PENALTIES
Failure to adhere to race rules and instructions may result in exclusion from the race.
19. OBJECTIONS
Objections for any reason must be raised solely by the athlete within 30 minutes of finishing. The Technical Committee will review the objections and provide a final decision before the awards ceremony.
20. VALID FINISH TIME LIMIT
A finish is considered valid when:
- The athlete has successfully passed all route checkpoints.
- The required perforation is present on the control card.
- The effort has been completed within the stipulated time limit of 10 hours and 30 minutes.
21. INTERIM TIME EXCLUSION LIMITS
To ensure both safety and the smooth progression of the race, intermediate exclusion time limits are established as follows:
a: “Mavros Harakas 1” location (17km + 2100) – 4 hours 45 min
b: “Mavros Harakas 2” location (30km + 2980) – 8 hours
22. ABANDONMENT
Participants failing to meet the aforementioned time limits will be disqualified and must surrender their race number. Athletes leaving the race must proceed to a point where they can access an event transport vehicle before returning to Anopolis square. The race number will be returned after the event’s conclusion by the Secretariat. However, it is noted that athletes excluded due to time limits can choose to continue at their own risk. In this case, they forfeit any support from the Organization and cannot make demands.
23. MOVEMENT
Athletes are required to move along the trail without forming wide groups that hinder overtaking. If directed to make way for overtaking, an athlete should move to the uphill or downhill side of the slope. The presence of accompanying dogs is prohibited.
24. RACE TERMINATION, TIME LIMIT MODIFICATION
The Organizers reserve the right to alter the route, delay the start, or temporarily halt the race’s progress, particularly in hazardous weather conditions in higher route sections, to safeguard athletes’ well-being.
25. ROUTE MARKING
Route marking aims to minimize temporary interventions and utilize environmentally friendly materials. Existing permanent hiking trail markers are augmented by project films and orange arrows only where necessary for safety and successful race conduct. Volunteers will guide athletes at key points. The goal is to ensure competitors remain on the designated route.
26. NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
The Organization provides water and supply stations along the route. Athletes should tailor their feeding plan based on individual nutritional requirements. Disposable plastic cups won’t be offered; athletes must bring their own.
27. SUPPLY BAG (DROP BAG)
No refueling bags are provided during the race.
28. EXTERNAL SUPPORT
Athletes can receive external support only at designated race support stations.
29. PACERS
Athletes are not allowed to be accompanied by pacers without a bib number.
30. SUPPORT STATIONS
Support Stations offer:
- Food and water supply.
- Medical assistance from Organization staff.
- External support from accompanying groups.
There are twelve (12) stations: six (6) Central providing food and fluids, and five (5) secondary offering water and electrolytes.
31. CHECKPOINTS
Checkpoints solely record athlete progress. There are eleven (11) checkpoints:
- Anopoli (K-4.5)
- Porolangos entrance and exit (K-7.2 & K-40)
- Agathopi 1 and 2 (K-12 & K-35)
- Mavros Harakas 1 and 2 (K-17 & K-30)
- Rousies 1, 2 (K-18, K-29)
- Pachnes summit (K-20)
- Shelter “Chr. Chouliopoulos” – Katsiveli (K-25)
32. COLLECTION TEAM
For safety and race organization, organization staff will follow the last athlete.
33. TIMING-RESULTS
Timing is electronic for total time and manual for interim performance.
34. PRIZES
Prizes include awards for overall, male, and female categories, as well as youngest and oldest successful finishers.
35. COMMEMORATIVE PRIZES
Prizes are awarded for various achievements, including overall winners, section challenges, and age categories.
36. WASTE
Discarding items along the route, including plastic bottles, is strictly prohibited. Special plastic garbage bags are provided at filling stations. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in exclusion.
37. DISCLAIMER
Participation implies full acceptance of regulations. Athletes acknowledge the challenging terrain, unpredictable microclimate, and assume responsibility for their health. The Commission is not liable for injuries or damage.
38. RULE AMENDMENTS
The event reserves the right to modify rules with a focus on maintaining the spirit of the race.
