The “Alexandros Nikolaidis” award was presented to Nikos Zisis
Athens, May 16, 2025 – Set against the enchanting scenery of
Messinia and in perfect harmony with nature,
Navarino Challenge returned on
May 9-11, offering a unique experience filled with sports, wellness, longevity, and culinary delights. In its 13th edition, the multi-award-winning sports tourism event brought together thousands of amateur and professional athletes from around the world who participated in over
70 distinct activities. The events took place at
Costa Navarino, including
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort as well as at historic locations throughout the
Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, transforming the event into a true celebration of both body and mind.
The 13th Navarino Challenge welcomed over 4,000 participations, ranging in age from just 1 month to 76 years old, representing 23 countries across 3 continents, including the United States of America, China, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Georgia, Switzerland, Russia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Greece.
Through the multifaceted schedule of activities at Navarino Challenge 2025, the stunning natural and historical landscapes of Messinia were showcased in a truly unique way. From the iconic Bay of Navarino and the enchanting island of Sphacteria, to the Gialova Lagoon and the renowned Voidokilia Beach, participants had the opportunity to explore areas of exceptional natural beauty, all part of the protected Natura 2000 network.
At the same time, this year’s event was held in the presence of the
Minister of Tourism, Ms.
Olga Kefalogianni.
Credit: Elias Lefas
A Night Full of Light
On Saturday evening, the annual awards ceremony took place — an event dedicated to honoring and recognizing individuals who stand out not only for their athletic achievements but also for their integrity, consistency, and contributions to society. The event was hosted by the one and only George Lentzas and conducted in Greek, with simultaneous interpretation available in seven different languages via the Evenly platform, ensuring accessibility and engagement for the international audience.
A Tribute to Olympian Alexandros Nikolaidis
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 3rd “Alexandros Nikolaidis” Award, established by the Hellenic Olympic Committee and Navarino Challenge in memory of the two-time Olympic silver medalist in taekwondo. This honorary distinction, presented in the presence of his wife, Dora Tsampazi, their children, and last year’s award recipient, Antigoni Drisbioti, was this year awarded to former international basketball player Nikos Zisis, in recognition of his contribution to sports and his undeniable integrity. Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Kostis Liarommatis, member of the Plenary Session of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and President of its “Sports and Environment” Commission.
As part of the event, the presence of the Athens Olympic Museum stood out, as it honored the memory of Olympian Alexandros Nikolaidis by showcasing his competition chest protector and his medal from the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games — items from the Museum’s Permanent Collection, donated by his family. The participation of the Athens Olympic Museum highlighted the deep connection between sports and the values of Olympism, offering the public a unique opportunity to engage with the history and ethos of Greek Olympians.
The following honorary awards were then presented:
- Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes received an award from Ms. Valia Vanezi, Communications Director of TEMES S.A.
- The family of Evgenia and Panagiotis Giannakis was honored for their inspiration and family contribution to sports by Michalis and Liza Triantafyllidis, as well as Mr. Thanos Kyriazis, Managing Director of Miele Cluster Adria Aegean.
- Ultramarathon runner and first Greek woman to finish the Spartathlon, Jo Manta, received an award from Dean Karnazes and the Deputy Mayor of the Pylos Municipal Unit, Mr. Ioannis Sardelis
• The award in memory of legendary coach Faidon Matthaiou was presented to his daughter, Ms. Fiorella Matthaiou, and his grandson, Faidon Matthaiou from the Hall of Famer Panagiotis Giannakis and Mr. Konstantinos Papalexandris, Chief Business Officer of KORRES.
- Track and field champion Anastasia Marinakou received an award from Olympic medalists Dimitris Papanikolaou and Evina Maltsi, as well as from Ms. Maira Passia, Director of Sustainability & Corporate Communications of MOTODYNAMICS Group.
- Marathon runner and long-distance champion Dimitris Theodorakakos received an award from Olympian Periklis Iakovakis, coach Nikos Gemelos, and Mr. Ilias Liberis, Brand & Media Manager of Vikos.
- European wrestling champion Maria Prevolaraki received an award from European football champion Kostas Katsouranis and Ms. Mary Karageorgou, External Affairs Director of Novo Nordisk Hellas.
- Ultramarathon runner and Spartathlon record holder Fotis Zisimopoulos received an award from fellow ultramarathon runner Giorgos Dimoulas and Mr. Ilias Kanakis, Country Manager of The North Face.
- Discus Paralympic Silver medalist Makis Kalaras received an award for his social contribution from Paralympic gold medalist Grigoris Polychronidis, Greek wheelchair tennis champion Giorgos Lazaridis, fencing and basketball champion Georgia Kaltsi, and Mr. Sandor Szimeiszter, Country Director of JYSK Greece, Hungary & Austria.
Credit: Dimitris Andritsos Photography
The night concluded with applause and deep emotion, leaving the audience with a powerful message: that sports are not just about competition, but a way of life and a source of inspiration for all.
At the participant service area of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and during the dazzling awards night, guests had the opportunity to explore unique exhibition booths. One of the standout attractions was the Miele Open House — a high-aesthetic experience showcasing innovative, state-of-the-art appliances such as an oven, vacuum cleaner, and wine cooler, reflecting Miele’s timeless design and technological excellence. Visitors also had the chance to engage with the expert team from Alpha Estate, one of the world's “TOP 100” wineries, representing the modern Greek vineyard. The winery presented new wine creations that highlighted the potential of the Amyntaio region in Florina, combining respect for tradition with cutting-edge winemaking techniques to deliver wines of exceptional quality.
Meanwhile, participants enjoyed refreshing cocktails made with super-premium Patrón tequila, subtly enhancing the sense of luxury and perfectly complementing the overall tasting experience.
Unique experiences for the first time at a sports event
At Navarino Challenge, the KORRES ATHENIAN GROOMING pop-up corner invited guests to enjoy an authentic men’s grooming experience. Innovation met tradition as KORRES revived the genuine atmosphere of the classic Athenian barbershop through its complete men’s skincare line, KORRES Athenian Grooming. The products in the collection are based on the research and expertise of the KORRES labs and are inspired by the techniques and rituals of traditional Athenian barbershops, featuring a fragrance that evokes the refined ambiance and charm of old Athens.
Men’s Skincare. Grooming. Cologne.
During the three-day event, unique collectible items from top athletes were presented for auction, in collaboration with Trace 'n Chase, to support the charitable initiative “Sharing is Caring.” This ongoing initiative aims to support 13 non-profit organizations, giving visitors the opportunity to acquire items of great collectible and emotional value, while contributing to a meaningful cause.
For the same purpose, notable books—including titles by Panagiotis Giannakis, Dimitris Theodorakakos, and many others—were available for purchase, with proceeds donated to support Humanity Greece.
Kois Optics stood out for their refined design and dedication to detail, showcasing their eyewear collection inspired by the harmony and geometry of Orophographia. The Kois Optics line blends aesthetics, comfort, and timeless style, creating a distinctive presence at the venue.
A Stunning Welcome Cocktail with a Touch of JYSK
The international retail company
JYSK, which continues to grow and support sports without limitations, welcomed participants to the event with a stunning
Welcome Cocktail & Finger Food powered by JYSK. The event took place in a uniquely designed setting, accompanied by live violin music, while refreshing Palomas made with ultra-premium
Patrón tequila and healthy finger food by the Official Healthy Catering Partner,
To Bazaki, offered guests a warm and inviting atmosphere where relaxation and social interaction met a shared passion for sports.
Credit: Dimitris Andritsos PhotographyInspired by International Standards: The Après-Tennis Cocktail by Grey Goose Vodka
Following the tennis tournament, guests unwound in style at the Après-Tennis Cocktail by Grey Goose Vodka—a refined experience that blended authentic indulgence with the unparalleled quality of Grey Goose, the super-premium vodka renowned for its purity and exceptional taste.
Running Events with a View of the Endless Messinian Landscape
On Sunday, May 11,
Navarino Challenge reached its peak with the traditional running races, offering participants of all ages a memorable outdoor experience. The
21.1km Half Marathon powered by The North Face passed through the beach of Voidokilia and the Gialova lagoon, with ultramarathon runner
Dean Karnazes taking part. The
10km Seaside Run
powered by Dimello concluded with great energy, as
Dimello, a brand proudly produced in Greece, supported the runners as a Bronze Sponsor. Meanwhile, the
5km race powered by Miele led participants through the stunning olive groves of the region. A large number of children joined the
1km Kids Race powered by Vikos, which began with the presence of Olympian
Periklis Iakovakis. A particularly meaningful moment was the
1km “All Unique – All Equal” route powered by the MOTODYNAMICS Group, featuring participants from the association for people with disabilities “DiaforoZO” and distinguished athletes such as seven-time Paralympic medalist
Grigoris Polychronidis, wheelchair tennis champion
Giorgos Lazaridis, fencing and wheelchair basketball athlete
Georgia Kaltsi, and physiotherapist
Angelos Giakoumidis, sending a powerful message of inclusion.
Credit: Matthew MillerThe Most Generous Gifts Ever Given
Throughout the running events, participants had the chance to enjoy support from top brands through specially designed booths that enhanced their athletic experience. Miele gifted all finishers of the 5km race with a bag containing kitchen gloves and towels. Vikos natural mineral water ensured essential hydration with refreshing high-quality water. Melissa provided High Protein pasta, rich in protein, ideal for energy boost and recovery, while also supporting basketball lessons from the Giannakis Academy. The North Face welcomed half marathon finishers with unique, high-quality shirts. Chiquita took care of their natural energy boost with bananas, and during the race as well as at the finish line, runners enjoyed energizing espresso shots made from Dimello capsules — because every run deserves its own intensity and enjoyment.
This year's official shirts were provided by 42K Running, the rapidly growing Spanish brand exclusively distributed in Greece by SportAdore. 42K offers a wide range of technical apparel and accessories made from recycled materials. As a result, participants of this year’s Navarino Challenge had the chance to experience high-performance, sustainable shirts in modern designs. The shirts also paid tribute to local heritage, featuring an artistic depiction of the Griffin, the legendary creature found at Nestor Palace — a design inspired by the mythology and rich history of Messinia.
Finally, the Greek company HNG, which specializes in natural food products, supported this year's event with Feel Good protein bars, while Feeju Functional Shots completed the wellness and rejuvenation experience.
Sports & Gastronomy
Ettore Botrini Masterclasses powered by Miele
Gastronomy took center stage at Navarino Challenge with exclusive masterclasses by award-winning chef
Ettore Botrini, powered by Miele. Participants had the opportunity to witness up close the creative process behind exceptional recipes that showcased premium ingredients and modern techniques. The experience highlighted the connection between sports, proper nutrition, and the enjoyment of flavor. During the masterclasses, two unique dishes were presented: a risotto with Greek coffee, lemon, and capers, and a risotto with pine needles and chicken— both combining unexpected tastes with a strong Mediterranean identity.
Credit: Elias Lefas
High aesthetics & gastronomic refinement from Alpha Estate
Navarino Challenge's taste and culture experience was highlighted through the special Wine Tasting A Tasting Journey with Botrini & Alpha Estate, which was hosted by Miele and SIXT, while Alpha Estate, one of the world's most renowned wineries, played a central role in the event. It was a special experience for the participants, combining vintage wines with fine flavors in an environment of authentic hospitality and aesthetics.
Sports & Education
In collaboration with the MOTODYNAMICS Group and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, the following educational initiatives were carried out:
- Diversity Seminar, led by Dimitris Papanikolaou — former international basketball player and ambassador of the Group — for students of all educational levels within the Municipality.
- Road Safety Workshop “Drive Change Move Safe”, delivered by motorsport coach Thanasis Choundras, targeting high school students from Pylos and Methoni.
Navarino Challenge Talks
For the first time, a series of engaging talks were organized featuring distinguished personalities such as Ettore Botrini, Panagiotis Giannakis, Antigoni Drisbioti, Kostas Katsouranis, Dimitris Papanikolaou, Thanasis Choundras, Elisabeth Calbari, Pavlos Gkikas, and Panagiotis Panoutsos Talkowski.
As part of the seminar titled "Awareness & Sensitization on Obesity: From Knowledge to Prevention" powered by Novo Nordisk, moderated by renowned journalist Giorgos Evgenidis, Ms. Mary Karageorgou, External Affairs Director at Novo Nordisk Hellas, and Dr. Spyros Sapounas, endocrinologist-diabetologist, Vice President of the National Organization for Medicines and former Vice President of the National Public Health Organization, highlighted the challenges of obesity across all age groups and the solutions modern science has to offer.
Support for the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor
- MOTODYNAMICS Group, in collaboration with the Library4All organization, donated books to enhance the lending library housed in the Tsiklitiras Residence.
- Similarly, as part of Navarino Challenge 2025, JYSK donated two desks and a bookcase to the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, with the donation presented by Stavroula Mourkakou, Director of JYSK Kalamata.
Actions that Respect and Support the Environment with Medals Made from Recyclable Materials
Navarino Challenge once again proved that environmental awareness can be meaningfully combined with sports. In collaboration with
Team Recycle, a special sustainability initiative was implemented, through which the medals for the
21.1 km, 10 km, and 5 km races were made from
100% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The material was collected from schools and households, processed using modern methods, and transformed into aesthetically pleasing and functional medals—proving that waste can gain real purpose and a new life. Each medal served not only as a memento of participation but also as a
symbol of environmental consciousness and responsibility, reinforcing the shared effort toward a more sustainable future.
Credit: Matthew MillerThe Value of Volunteering
The support provided by the volunteers from the University of Piraeus proved to be invaluable, especially during the running events, where they encouraged the runners and assisted at the hydration stations with the support of MOTODYNAMICS Group. The event could not have been implemented without the outstanding contribution of the dynamic Humanity Greece team, who supported the race registration with their human resources. Athens Medical Group supported the races as Medical Partner, while the contribution of the Hellenic Rescue Team – Messinia Branch was also crucial in ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the running races of Navarino Challenge.
Athletes and event ambassadors moved safely thanks to the renewed fleet of vehicles provided by SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group and Premium Mobility Partner of Navarino Challenge 2025. All product and equipment transport were carried out with the reliability of Pilia Express, while many guests were transferred by Messinia Transfer, operated by Dimitris Lappas.
2 Awards at the Tourism Awards
The event once again stood out at the Tourism Awards for its innovation and last year’s event design. Specifically, it received a Gold award in the category “Sports & Adventure Stay Experience” and another Gold award in the category “Gastronomy & Wine Tourism” for its successful collaboration with Miele.
Platinum Sponsor was Miele.
Gold Sponsor of the event was MOTODYNAMICS Group.
Silver Sponsors were JYSK, KORRES, Melissa, The North Face and Chiquita.
Strategic Healthcare Sponsor was Novo Nordisk.
Official Water was Vikos natural mineral water.
Official Hospitality Sponsors were Costa Navarino and the hotels W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Official Sports Supplier was 42K.
Bronze Sponsors were Dimello Coffee, Trace ‘n Chase, Patron Tequila, and Pilia Express.
Premium Mobility Partner of the event was SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group.
Οfficial Partners of Navarino Challenge were Messinian Nest, Pylos – Nestor Municipality.
Authentic Flavor Partner was Navarino Icons.
Official Optics Partner were Kois Optics.
Official Healthy Catering Partner was TO BAZAKI.
Official Supporters were Alpha Estate, Messinian Spa, Feeju, Εlite Boats, Evenly, Messinia Transfer, SportAdore, Feel Good, Vlaha, Rania's Flower, Karalis Beach Hotel, Karalis City Hotel, Silk Gonos, and Memmos.
Οfficial Basketball Partner was Wilson.
Medical Partner was Athens Medical Group.
Premium TV Partner was SKΑI.
Premium Media Partner was Liquid Media.
Sustainability Partner was π³ = Plastic Pollution Prevention.
Educational Partner was University of Piraeus.
Athletic Partners were Angelic Yoga Arts, Breath Pilates Studio, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Free Movement Skateboarding, Giannakis Academy, Joint Athens, Moraitis Outdoors, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’Clock and Triantafyllidis Beach Arena.
Navarino Challenge was held under the Auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of Peloponnese. All running races were co-organized with the Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and the Hellenic Athletics Association (EAS SEGAS) Peloponnese Region.
The organization and sports production were managed by ActiveMedia Group.
