OLYMPUS MARATHON 2026 RACE REGULATIONS

1. TERMS

In the regulations listed below, the terms noted here refer to specific definitions:

• RACE: The Olympus Marathon
• ATHLETES: The competitors, meaning those who have legally registered and are participating in the race
• ORGANIZATION: The Board of Directors of the Olympus Marathon
• RACE COMMITTEE: The Organizing Committee responsible for the execution of the race and decision-making.

2. ORGANIZATION

In cooperation with the Municipality of Dion-Olympus and the Regional Unit of Pieria, Region of Central Macedonia, the 22nd Olympus Marathon, an international mountain running race on Mount Olympus, is organized on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

3. GENERAL

The Olympus Marathon® is a mountain running race on Mount Olympus, with a distance of 44km and an elevation gain of +3350m. The race takes place on the last Saturday of June each year, starting from the Archaeological Site in Dion at 06:05, at sunrise, and finishing in Litochoro.

Time limit: 12 hours.

4. PARTICIPATION

Men and women over 18 years of age are eligible to participate in the race only on the condition that they have finished, within the last three years (from 01/01/2023 until the end of registration), at least two mountain running races of at least 20km distance with an elevation gain of +1000m or more each, or one mountain running race of at least 35km distance with an elevation gain of +2200m or more.

Check the list of Greek races that serve as qualifying criteria for participation in Olympus Marathon 2026.

5. REGISTRATION

Registration opens on February 8 and will remain open until May 31, 2026 at 23:59.

Only individual registrations are possible.

In the registration form, each athlete must provide their personal data as well as the following information:

• Qualifying races with race website and finish time (year / race / finish time / link)
  (for example 2021 / OLYMPUS MARATHON / 8:00 / Results Link)
• Link from the ITRA page if available (for example https://itra.run/RunnerSpace/...)

Registration is considered complete provided that qualifying races are met and the payment process has been finalized.

Participation Cost:

• February 8 – February 18: 50 euros
• February 19 – May 10: 60 euros
• May 10 – May 31: 70 euros

The participation cost is paid during the registration period ONLY online exclusively via credit or debit card and includes:

• Race BIB number
• First aid, nutrition, and hydration stations along the route and at the finish
• Athlete's package with a gift from the organization
• Pasta-party on Friday, June 26, 2026
• Medal for valid finishers
• Transportation from Litochoro to the starting point in Dion
• Private insurance in case of accident

The top 3 male winners and the top 3 female winners of Olympus Marathon 2025, as well as the first male winner and the first female winner of the 2025 Winter Enipeas, are honored to participate in Olympus Marathon 2026 free of charge.

The Organization has the right to approve participation, even free of charge, for athletes judged worthy of taking part in the race, thereby raising the competitive level. This can be done at any time, even after registration closes.

6. CANCELLATION POLICY

If an athlete cannot participate in the race, they must inform the organizers via email at the following address: info@olympus-marathon.com

There is no refund option in case of participation cancellation.

In case the race is cancelled for reasons beyond the control of the Organization up to 30 days before the event, a 50% refund of the registration fee paid will be made. This percentage is necessary due to various expenses already incurred by the Organizers which cannot be recovered.

In case of interruption or cancellation of the race due to weather conditions or for any other reason beyond the control of the Organization, the participation fee will not be refunded.

It is not possible to exchange the race BIB number, postpone the registration for the next year, or switch from one race of the organization to another.

Athletes running with a BIB belonging to another athlete, even after the race, will be disqualified.

7. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

Athletes are not required to present a medical certificate regarding their health condition. However, participants themselves should be fully aware of their ability to participate in such a demanding race as the Olympus Marathon. It must be clear that by submitting an application, one assumes full responsibility for anything that may happen during or after the race.

8. MAXIMUM TIME LIMIT AND CUT-OFF TIMES. ABANDONING THE RACE (DNF)

The maximum allowed time to reach the finish line is 12 hours (until 18:05 on Saturday, June 27, 2026).

Athletes who arrive at the cut-off points or the finish line outside the time limit will be disqualified (DSQ).

The "sweeper" will follow the last runner in order to assist athletes abandoning the race and ensure help for anyone injured or in need of assistance.

There are 3 cut-off points in the race, which are:

• 1) Koromilia (10km) at 2h 20m from the start of the race
• 2) Petrostrouga (15km) at 4 hours from the start of the race
• 3) Prionia (31km) at 9h 30m from the start of the race

The cut-off points, as well as checkpoints, are located immediately after the aid stations, meaning the time the athlete leaves the aid station.

Athletes who do not reach these points within the set time limits will not be allowed to continue the race (DSQ). Cut-off points are set for the safety of the athletes themselves as well as for the smooth operation of the race. To ensure the health of participants, the medical representatives of the organization at the checkpoints have the authority to stop runners deemed unfit to continue the race.

Race officials reserve the right to disqualify athletes who do not respect the rules.

In case of abandonment (DNF), the athlete surrenders the BIB number to the "sweeper" or the station manager and ceases participation in the race.

If they abandon at Koromilia or Prionia, there will be an organization vehicle to pick them up and take them back to Litochoro.

In case of abandonment at Petrostrouga, athletes will be informed by the "sweeper" and the station manager and must move either to Prionia or Gkortsia on foot by themselves to catch the organization vehicle that will transport them back to Litochoro.

Athletes who have stopped the race may need to wait for some time until picked up by the organization vehicle from the designated collection points (Koromilia, Prionia, Gkortsia, Zilnia) before being escorted to the finish area.

Any athlete abandoning the race at any point other than the designated checkpoints must return to Litochoro and immediately inform the Race Organizers.

9. BIB NUMBER AND ATHLETE PACKET PICKUP

BIB numbers and athlete packet distribution take place at the Municipal Park of Litochoro where the Olympus Marathon EXPO Area is located. A detailed schedule will be announced later.

Pickup of race BIB numbers and athlete packets takes place only during Secretariat operating hours.

Athletes must present a valid identification document (ID card or passport) to pick up the BIB number.

BIB numbers must be worn unaltered by all participants only on the front of their shirt and must not be folded or cut.

The BIB number must be worn by the person for whom the registration was made.

In case the participant does not take part in the race and requests the athlete packet, the Organization will send it (to the address stated in the registration application) after the end of the event at their own expense.

10. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

To cope with all different possible weather conditions on race day, at their discretion and based on 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 race start, so all athletes are asked to have all mandatory equipment.

Athletes must carry the following equipment with them for the entire duration of the race:

• Water reserve of at least 0.5 liters (to reduce plastic consumption, there will be no cups at stations)
• The race BIB number must be visible throughout the race
• Shoes suitable for running on Olympus terrain (stones, rocks, gravel)

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Participants are recommended to carry the following equipment:

• Sunglasses
• Windbreaker jacket
• Hat

Use of POLES is permitted ONLY AFTER Koromilia station.

11. AID STATIONS

Athletes are required to run in semi-autonomous mode and must carry at least 0.5 liters of liquid (water, isotonic).

Semi-autonomy is defined as the capacity of the athlete to be autonomous between two aid stations regarding food, equipment, and safety, and to be able to adapt to any problems that may arise (bad weather, physical ailments, injuries…).

This implies the following rules:

• Athletes must carry all mandatory equipment for the entire duration of the race.
• When leaving an aid station, athletes must have enough water to reach the next aid station.
• A limited variety of snacks and beverages deemed suitable by the Organizers to guarantee proper nutrition for race athletes will be available at aid stations. Any special dietary requirements must be managed autonomously by the athletes.

Along the route, there will be 5 aid stations:

• Koromilia (10.5km, altitude 1020m)
• Petrostrouga (15.3km, altitude 1940m)
• Oropedio (20.8km, altitude 2650m)
• Prionia (31.2km, altitude 1050m)
• Zilnia (41km, altitude 710m)

There are also 6 water points:

• Xirolaki (4km, altitude 155m)
• Itamos natural spring (7km)
• Bara natural spring (12.5km, altitude 1410m)
• Skourta (17.7km, altitude 2450m)
• Refuge A (25km, altitude 2100m)
• Monastiri natural spring (34.1km, altitude 890m)

Only athletes with a visible race BIB number will have access to aid stations.

THERE WILL BE NO PLASTIC CUPS AT STATIONS as one of the key goals of the Organization is to leave no ecological footprint on the environment.

At aid stations, snacks and water will be served only by station staff. Trash must be placed in the appropriate bins.

12. ACCOMPANIMENT/SUPPORT ON THE RACE ROUTE

Assistance provided to athletes by family or team members is allowed only at the following aid stations:

• Koromilia (10km)
• Petrostrouga (15km)
• Oropedio (21km)
• Refuge A (27km)
• Prionia (31km)

Pacers are not allowed throughout the duration of the race.

Accompaniment of the athlete by close persons is allowed ONLY a few meters before the finish.

13. DROP-BAG, ATHLETE BAG, POLES

There will be no drop-bag capability for the Prionia station.

RUNNER BAGS FOR FINISH

Each athlete will receive a bag with their race BIB in which they can place a change of clothes for the finish line if the athlete wishes. Athletes must place the sticker with the number received with their race BIB on the bag. Bags must be delivered between 18:00 and 21:00 on Friday, June 26 before the race at the BIB distribution zone or at the pre-race start zone in the special area designated 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 valuables in their bags. In any case, the Organizers bear no responsibility for any theft, loss, or damage to bags or their contents.

14. THE RACE START

The organizers provide transportation for athletes from Litochoro to the start line in Dion. There will be buses from Litochoro Park (finish point). Athletes wishing to take the bus to the start line must pick up the bus ticket during the BIB number and athlete packet distribution. Schedules will be announced in the event program.

Athletes must be at the Archaeological site of Dion by 05:45 on the morning of Saturday, June 27, 2026.

The race starts at 06:05 with the sunrise on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

In case of wave starts (blocks), the block number as well as the position within it will be defined exclusively based on the ITRA score.

15. RACE ROUTE

The detailed description of the race route exists in the "route" section.

The route marking will be dense with colored tapes, paint (short duration) in bright colors (ONLY WITHIN SETTLEMENTS AND ON ASPHALT PARTS) and small signs bearing the race logo.

Athletes are obliged to move along the trail without forming groups extending in width, preventing others who would like to overtake.

In case of emergency (particularly dangerous weather conditions), the Organizers reserve the right to modify the route so that no athlete is exposed to danger. Alternative routes will be announced if necessary at the briefing before the race start.

Race kilometers are not marked. Athletes must strictly adhere to the marked race route and not cut sections of the route. Any deviations from the official route will lead to disqualification.

16. INSURANCE

The Organization insures athletes in case of an accident during the race through a private insurance company.

17. SAFETY

The Organization, in cooperation with the Volunteer Samaritan Rescuers team, will be positioned along the race route. Ambulances with paramedical staff will be positioned at the finish in standby mode, where there will be a doctor and an advanced medical unit.

18. ENVIRONMENT

The race takes place in the protected area of the National Park with its natural ecological system. Due to its exceptional physical and cultural importance, Olympus was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 with its inclusion in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Therefore, participants are required to fully respect the mountain environment, especially by not leaving trash, picking flowers, or disturbing wildlife. Anyone found leaving trash along the route will be disqualified from the race and will suffer the penalties provided by municipal regulations.

To reduce plastic consumption, disposable cups will NOT be distributed at stations, therefore the athlete must bring their own flask/cup.

19. WEATHER

In case of adverse weather conditions (dense fog, heavy rain, or storms), the organizers reserve the right to make last-minute changes, even during the race, to the race route in order to eliminate potential dangers or conditions that could cause difficulties for participants. Participants will be informed by the Organizers of any changes. The Organization also reserves the right to suspend or cancel the race if weather conditions are such that they endanger athletes, staff, volunteers, or medical teams.

20. DISQUALIFICATION, PENALTIES, APPEALS AND OBJECTIONS. RESULTS.

The following violations will lead to immediate disqualification and withdrawal of the athlete's BIB number:

• avoiding a checkpoint
• cutting the route
• leaving trash along the race route
• refusal to help a participant facing difficulties
• insulting or threatening staff or volunteers
• use of transport during the race
• loss of BIB number

A one-hour penalty will be imposed for the following violations:

• Use of Poles before the Koromilia station
• if the athlete had a pacer during the race (except for the last 100 meters before the finish line, where the athlete can be accompanied by family members)
• use of unauthorized assistance or assistance outside the areas defined in the regulations.

Penalty or disqualification (DSQ) can be applied immediately once the violation is established, at the end of the race, or after cross-checking evidence, but at the latest by 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 race. The Committee's decision on objections is issued at the latest by the announcement of the official results and cannot be contested.

Provisional race results will be available within 24 hours from the end of the race. The ranking of athletes will be based on gun time.

Official results are announced on the organization's website.

21. AWARDS

The commemorative medal is given only to athletes who crossed the finish line within the set race time limit (12 hours).

The top 3 men and 3 women of the general ranking will receive trophies.

The top 3 men and 3 women of each age category will receive age winner trophies (in case the age category has fewer than 6 finishers, only the 1st age winner will be awarded).

The age categories follow:

The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 27 at 20:00 in the evening at Litochoro Park (at the finish area).

Under no circumstances will awards be mailed or distributed in advance.

22. COPYRIGHT

Upon registration, athletes authorize the Organizers to freely use any still or moving images depicting them during their participation in the Olympus Marathon races without territorial or time limits.

23. DISCLAIMER

Voluntary registration and subsequent participation in the race imply full acceptance of the race rules and regulations and any subsequent changes made to them. By registering, participants release the Organizers from any civil or criminal liability for damage to persons and/or property caused by or to them.