Reviews

Sfakia Sky is not just a mountain marathon, it is much more. What you will experience during the run, you will certainly not experience anywhere else. The journey begins in Chora Sfakion, where you board the ferry that will take you to Loutro. Right from the start, you realize that you will experience something unprecedented. You only have to look away and you will enjoy the sunrise against the backdrop of the endless sea.

Start from 0 m, sea level.
I knew that a long climb would soon begin, which would require a lot of patience. The first kilometers are steep, but you can still see the sea behind you, almost to Anopoli. While we were running on a technically difficult path, I was eager to complete the first challenge (From Sea to Summit), and I was trying to distinguish which peaks we were approaching. When we reached 2000 m above sea level, I understood why the White Mountains are so special. I could not distinguish the individual peaks, because I was running in a sea of countless peaks. The landscape became lunar. The wild nature, the stones, had something inaccessible in them, which filled with awe. For many kilometers we approached 2400 m and conquered the 2 highest peaks. 
The wonderful volunteers were there all the time to offer us everything we asked for and encourage us.
The climb ended and the steep and technical descents began. In the middle of the desert, in “Madara” – as they call it, at the most distant point of the route, begins one of the longest and most technical descents that you can encounter in a mountain race. This descent was a test for the legs and the soul. For me it was the best! I enjoyed every step until the finish line!

I reached the finish line in 6h 57m as the 2nd woman. My soul was filled with countless emotions. An unforgettable competition. It is certainly one of the most difficult mountain marathons in Greece, but it is unique. When the organizer of the Argithea mountain race suggested that I take part in the Sfakia Sky Marathon a month earlier – because of my daily activities – I was not sure if I would be able to train enough to finish the race.
Now I know that I made the best choice.

And the next day I ran the Sfakia Vertical Run. It is a competition, a celebration of the region in a very friendly atmosphere. There was a lot of beer, traditional pilaf and smiles at the finish line!
The three days ended with a group recovery run in the area of Aradena Gorge. A test event checking the route for next year new 10 km distance, passing by an abandoned village, where we admired the charming gorge and the old kalderimia – historical cobalt roads.

A unique experience! Thanks to the Argithea Mountain Race team for the opportunity to take part in the race and to the Arkalos/SfakiaSky Marathon team for their warm hospitality.

Good luck in the White Mountains!

FREE MOUNTAINS WITHOUT WIND ENERGY!