Regulations OLYMPUS ULTRA 2024
1. TERMS
In the below listed regulations the words noted refer to specific terms:
- RACE, for the Olympus Ultra
- ATHLETES, PARTICIPANTS, for the participants of the Olympus Ultra
- ORGANIZERS, for the Board of the Olympus Marathon
- COMMITTEE, for the Organization Committee of Olympus Marathon.
2. ORGANIZERS
In collaboration with the Municipality of Dion-Olympos and Pieria Regional Unit of Central Macedonia organize the 5th edition of Olympus Ultra, the international long-distance trail running race on Mount Olympus on Saturday June 29, 2024.
3. GENERAL INFORMATION
Olympus Ultra is the long-distance trail running race on Mount Olympus, it has distance of 71km and elevation gain +5550m. The race takes place the last Saturday of June, same day as Olympus Marathon race, in the Archaeological Site of Dion town at 00:00 in the midnight and finishes in Litochoro town.
Olympus Ultra 2024 is the Certified Course by the International Skyrunning Federation in the category Skyrunning ULTRA
Time limit: 22 hours.
4. PARTICIPATION
Men and women over the age of 18 are eligible to participate in the race provided that they have finished in the last three years (from 01/01/2021 until the end of the registration) in at least two mountain running races each one of 40km distance with elevation gain of +2400m or above, or one mountain running race of 60km distance or above with elevation gain of +4000m or above.
5. REGISTRATION
Registration opens on January 28 and will close on May 31, 2024.
Only individual registrations are possible.
Athletes must provide their personal data as well as the follow information:
● qualified races with race website and finish time (year / race / finish time / link)
for example, 2021 / OLYMPUS MARATHON / 8:00 / https://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php/results-om/2021
● link from the ITRA page if available https://itra.run/RunnerSpace
The registration is completed if the criteria-races are fulfilled and the payment procedure is done.
Participation fee:
January 28 – February 11: 70euro
February 12 – May 9: 80euro
May 10 – May 31: 90euro
Participation fee is to be paid during the registration period ONLY online by credit or debit card exclusively and includes:
- race BIB
- first assistance, refreshment along the route and at the finish line
- race pack
- pre-race pasta party on Friday, June 28,2024
- after race meal
- medal for valid finishers only
- atomic insurance in case of accident
For those who do not meet the criteria to participate in the Olympus Ultra 2024, either they do not fill in the correct details for qualified races in the registration application, their application will be rejected and 50% of the participation amount they occupied will be refunded.
The first man winner and the first woman winner of the Olympus Ultra 2023 are honoured to take part in Olympus Ultra 2024 free of charge.
The Organization has the right to approve the participation, even for free, of athletes it deems worthy to take part in the competition, thus raising the competition level. This can be done at any time, even after registration is closed.
6. CANCELLATION POLICY
If an athlete cannot participate in the race, he/she must inform the organizers by email at the following address: info@olympus-marathon.com
In case of cancellation of the participation the registration fee will not be refunded.
Should the race be annulled for reasons beyond the control of the Organizers up to 15 days before the event, the Organizers will refund 50% of the registration fees paid. This percentage is made necessary by the various expenses that the Organizers have already incurred that cannot be recuperated.
Should the race be interrupted or annulled due to weather conditions, or for any other reason beyond the control of the Organizers, no refund of the registration fee will be made.
It is not possible to exchange race BIB number, to postpone the registration to the next year, to switch from one race to another.
Athletes caught with race BIBs belonging to other athletes, even after the race, will be disqualified.
7. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Athletes are not obliged to present a medical certificate for good health condition. However, the participants themselves should be fully aware of their competence to enter such a demanding race as the Olympus Ultra. It must be clear that by submitting an application, one takes full responsibility for anything might happen, during or after the race.
8. MAXIMUM TIME LIMIT AND CUT OFF TIMES. WITHDRAWING FROM THE RACE (DNF)
The maximum time allowed to reach the finish line is 22 hours (by 22:00 on Saturday, June 29, 2024).
Athletes who reach the finish out the time limit will be disqualified (DSQ).
A “pick up” service will follow the last runner, in order to assist athletes who withdraw from the race and to ensure assistance for anyone with injuries.
There are 4 cut off points in the race. Cut off points are determined as follows:
1) Koromilia (10.5km) in 2h45min after the start of the race
2) Krevatia (29.1km) in 8 hours after the start of the race
3) Spilies (40.4km) in 11h30min after the start of the race
4) Prionia (53.5km) in 19 hours after the start of the race
Cut off points as well as check points are situated after refreshment stations.
Athletes who do not reach these points by the established time limits will not be allowed to continue the race (DSQ). The cut off points are set for the safety of the athletes themselves as well as for the smooth function of the race. In order to safeguard the health of the participants, medical staff at the check points have the authority to stop runners who are judged unfit to continue the race.
Race officials reserve the right to disqualify athletes who disrespect the rules.
In case of withdrawing (DNF) the athlete gives the BIB number to the head of the "pick-up” service or to the person in charge of the station and stops participating in the race.
If withdrawn in Koromilia or Krevatia Refuge or Spilies or Prionia there will be a vehicle that will pick up the late athletes and take them back to Litochoro.
If withdrawn in Petrostrouga, the late athletes will be informed by “pick up” service and have to move either to Prionia or to Gortsia on foot by their own in order to take the vehicle that will take them back to Litochoro.
For logistical reasons, athletes who have dropped out may have to wait for vehicle in the designated points (Koromilia, Krevatia, Spilies, Prionia, Gortsia, Zilnia) before being accompanied to the finish area.
Any participant who drops out of the race at any point other than the established check points should make their own way back to Litochoro and immediately inform the race Organizers.
9. COLLECTION OF THE RACE BIB NUMBER AND RACE PACK
Race numbers and race packs distribution take place at the Municipal Park of Litochoro where Olympus Marathon EXPO Area is. Detailed program will be announced later.
To collect race bib numbers, athletes must present a valid identity document.
The reception of BIB numbers of the race and packages of the athletes is ONLY possible during the working hours of the BIBs distribution.
BIB numbers should be worn by all participants unchanged only on the front of their jersey and should not be folded or cut.
The BIB number must be worn by the person registered for the race.
In case the participant will not take part in the race the Organizers will send the athlete package (to the address stated in the registration form) after the end of the event.
10. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
To address all the different possible climatic conditions on the day of the race, at their sole discretion and on the basis of the weather forecast provided by the competent body, the Organizers may modify the list of mandatory equipment. Any changes may be communicated up to 12 hours before the start of the race, therefore all athletes are advised to have all the mandatory equipment.
Athletes must have the following equipment with them for the entire duration of the race:
- water reserve of at least 1 litre (in order to reduce plastic consumption, there will not be any cups at the refreshment stations)
- race bib number visible during the entire duration of the race
- mobile
- windproof jacket
- headlamp with extra batteries
- aluminium blanket
- footwear appropriate for running on Mount Olympus terrain (stones, rocks, gravel)
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Race participants are advised to bring the following equipment with them:
- sunglasses
- gloves
- hat
- sun cap
- poles
The use of trekking poles is allowed.
11. REFRESHMENT STATIONS
Athletes are required to run in semi-autonomy and must carry at least 0.5 litre of liquid.
Semi-autonomy is defined as the capacity to be autonomous between two refreshment stations in relation to food, equipment and safety and to be able to adapt to any problems that may arise (bad weather, physical ailments, injury…).
This implies the following rules:
● Athletes must have all the mandatory equipment with them for the entire duration of the race.
● When leaving a refreshment station, athletes should have sufficient water to get to the next refreshment station.
● At refreshment stations a limited series of food and drinks that the Organizers consider suitable to guarantee a proper diet for race athletes will be available. Any special dietary requirements must be managed autonomously by athletes.
There will be 10 refreshment stations along the route:
- Koromilia (10.5km, alt.1020m)
- Petrostrouga (15.3km, alt.1940) – main refreshment station
- Mastorouli (21.km, alt. m)
- Krevatia (29.1km, alt.1050m) - main refreshment station
- Spilies (40.4km, alt.1330m) - main refreshment station
- Refuge Christakis (46.1km, alt.2500m)
- Refuge A (51.6km, 2100m)
- Prionia (57.6km, alt.1050m) - main refreshment station
- Monastery (61km, alt. 890m)
- Zilnia (67km, alt.710m)
Only athletes with a visible race bib number will have access to refreshment stations.
THERE WILL BE NO PLASTIC CUPS AT THE STATIONS since one of the main objectives of the Organization is to have no ecological footprint on the environment.
In the refreshment stations, food and drinks will be served only by refreshment station personnel. Rubbish must be placed in the appropriate containers.
There will be refreshments at the finish line for the finishers of the race.
12. ASSISTANCE DURING THE RACE
Assistance given to athletes by family or team members is only permitted in the following refreshment stations:
- Koromilia (10km)
- Petrostrouga (15km)
- Krevatia (29.1km)
- Spilies (40.4km)
- Refuge A (51.6km)
- Prionia (57.6km)
- Zilnia (67km)
Pacing and mulling are not allowed during all the race.
The athlete is allowed to be accompanied by familiar persons ONLY a few meters before the finish.
13. DROP-BAG, RUNNERS’ BAG.
There will be drop-bag possibility for Spilies and Prionia stations. Athletes who wish can leave their drop-bags between 18:00 and 21:00 on Friday before the race in the BIB numbers distribution zone.
Bags must clearly exhibit the number sticker handed out to athletes with race bibs. Athletes are advised not to place objects of value in their bags. In any case, the Organizers accept no liability for any theft, loss or damage to bags or their contents.
Drop-bags may be collected at the finish area on Saturday from 15:00 till 23:00 upon the presentation of race bib and on Sunday from 09:00 till 12:00. Under no circumstances will the Organizers send uncollected bags to athletes’ residences.
RUNNERS’ BAGS FOR FINISH
Each athlete will receive a bag with their race bib in which to place a change clothes for the finish line in case the athlete desires it. Athletes must place the number sticker they received with their race BIB on the bag. The bags must be handed in between 18:00 and 21:00 on Friday before the race in the BIB numbers distribution zone or in the start zone before the race in the special area marked by the Organizers. Only bags provided by the Organizers will be transported to the finish area.
Under no circumstances will the Organizers send uncollected bags to athletes’ residences. Athletes are advised not to place objects of value in their bags. In any case, the Organizers accept no liability for any theft, loss or damage to bags or their contents.
14. START OF THE RACE
The Organizers provide transfer from Litochoro to the start line in Dion town. There will be bus shuttles from the Park of Litochoro (finish line). The athletes who wish to take the bus shuttle to the start line have to take the bus ticket during the bib number and runners pack distribution. The timetable of the bus’s departure will be announced in the Event schedule.
Athletes must be in the Archaeological site of Dion by 23:45 on Friday June 28, 2024.
The race starts at 00:00 in the midnight June 29, 2024.
In case of consecutive starts (block) the number of the block as well as the position in it, will be determined exclusively based on the ITRA Performance Index.
15. RACE ROUTE
The detailed description of the race route is performed in the section “route”
The marking of the route will be dense with coloured strips, paint (short duration) in bright colours (ONLY WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT AND IN ASPHALT PLACES) and small signs that will have the logo of the race.
The athletes are obliged to move along the trail without forming groups that extend in width, preventing others that would like to overpass.
In case of emergency (especially dangerous weather conditions) the Organizers maintain the right to modify the route, so that no athlete will be exposed at risk. Alternative routes will be outlined at the briefing before the start of the race.
Race km are not marked. Athletes should strictly adhere to the marked race route and avoid taking shortcuts or cutting out sections of the route. Any departures from the official route will lead to disqualification and shall be at the sole risk of athletes.
16. INSURANCE
The Organizers insure the athletes in case of an accident during the race by a private insurance company.
17. SAFETY
The Organizers in cooperation with the Volunteers Samaritans and Rescue team will be positioned along the race route. Ambulances with paramedics shall be positioned at the finish in the stand-by mode, where a doctor and an advanced medical facility shall be present.
18. ENVIRONMENT
The race takes place in the protected National Park area with the natural eco system. Due to its outstanding natural and cultural importance, Olympus was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 with its inclusion in the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program (MAB). Participants are therefore required to fully respect the mountain environment, in particular by not leaving rubbish, picking flowers or disturbing the wildlife. Anyone found leaving rubbish along the route shall be disqualified from the race and incur the penalties laid down by municipal regulations.
To reduce plastic consumption, disposable cups will not be handed out, thus athlete must bring their own bottle/cup.
19. WEATHER
In case of adverse weather conditions (dense fog, heavy rain or thunder storms), the Organizers reserve the right to make last-minute changes, even during the race, to the race route in order to eliminate potential hazards or conditions that could cause hardship for participants. The participants will be informed by the Organizers of any changes. The Organizers also reserve the right to suspend or cancel the race if the weather conditions are such that they put athletes, staff, volunteers or medical teams at risk.
20. DISQUALIFICATION, PENALTIES, APPEALS AND OBJECTIONS. RACE RESULTS.
The following infringements will lead to immediate disqualification and withdrawal of the race bib number:
● failing to pass a check point
● taking shortcuts
● leaving rubbish along the race route
● failing to aid a participant in difficulty
● insulting or threatening staff or volunteers
● using transport during the race
● losing the bib number
A one-hour penalty will be incurred for the following infringements:
● if the athlete was paced by other person during the race (except the last 100m before the finish line, where the athlete can be accompanied by family members)
● availing of unauthorised assistance or assistance outside of the areas laid down in the regulation.
Penalty or Disqualification (DSQ) may be applied as soon as the offense is established, at the end of the match or after the cross-examination of the evidence, but later until the announcement of the official results.
Appeals will be evaluated and answered in the necessary time, decisions are final, without appeal.
Objections, regardless of the reason, are submitted only by the athlete within 24 hours after the end of the match. The decision of the Committee is issued no later than the announcement of the official results and cannot be disputed.
The unofficial results will be available within 24 hours of the end of the match. The ranking of the athletes will be based on gun time.
The official results are announced on the website of the organization.
21. AWARDS
A remembrance medal is awarded only to the athletes that crossed the finish line within the set race time limit of 22 hours.
The first 3 men and 3 women of general ranking will receive the winner’s cups.
The first 3 men and 3 women of each age category will receive age winner’s cups (in case the age category has less than 6 finishers, only the 1st age winner will be awarded).
Here are the age categories:
|
category |
men ages |
category |
women ages |
|
M18 |
18-23 y.o. |
W18 |
18-23 y.o. |
|
M |
24-39 y.o. |
W |
24-39 y.o. |
|
M40 |
40-49 y.o. |
W40 |
40-49 y.o. |
|
M50 |
50-59 y.o. |
W50 |
50-59 y.o. |
|
M60 |
60-69 y.o. |
W60 |
60-69 y.o. |
|
M70 |
70-79 y.o. |
W70 |
70-79 y.o. |
The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 29 at 20:00 in the evening in the Park of Litochoro (at the finish area).
Under no circumstances will prizes be sent or handed out in advance.
22. IMAGE RIGHTS
On registration, athletes authorise the Organizers to freely use any still or moving images depicting them during their participation in Olympus Marathon races with no territorial or time limits.
23. WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY
Voluntary registration and subsequent participation in the race indicate full acceptance of the race rules and regulations and any subsequent changes made to them. By registering, participants exempt the Organizers from any civil or criminal liability for damage to persons and/or property caused by or to them.
Update : January 2024