Against the backdrop of picturesque alleys, the imposing Caldera, and the unique volcanic landscape, Santorini will host running and open water swimming races, offering to the participants an exciting and unforgettable experience. The running races include three unique trail running routes, ideal for all levels of participants. Runners will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of running with views of the Caldera and the volcano, passing through the beautiful villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The distances include 5km for dynamic walking and running, 10km for more experienced runners, and 15km for endurance enthusiasts. All races start and finish at the desalination plant in Oia, with parts of the routes crossing scenic dirt trails.

The event is addressed to both professional and amateur athletes, offering a high-level experience with excellent organization, absolute safety, and authentic moments of sportsmanship, all set against the enchanting backdrop of Santorini.

• Platinum & Gold awards in the “Best Sports Culinary Sponsorship” category with Miele Hellas
• Gold award in the “Most Innovative Use of Content Creators & Influencers for a Sports Related Activity” category with MOTODYNAMICS Group
• Gold award in the “Best Real-Time Response / Occasion-based Marketing” category with MOTODYNAMICS GrouP
• Gold award in the “Best Experiential Marketing - Best in Sports Culinary Marketing” category with Miele Hellas
• Silver award in the “Best NEW Sponsorship” category with MOTODYNAMICS Group
• Bronze award in the “Best Sports-Related CSR Campaign / Activity” category with the MOTODYNAMICS Group

Santorini is one of a kind in the world, renowned for its breathtaking volcanic landscape, the imposing Caldera with whitewashed houses clinging to the cliffs, and its famous sunset that captivates every visitor. It combines rare natural beauty with deep historical roots, as revealed by the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, while its volcanic soil gives rise to unique flavors such as Assyrtiko wine and fava. It is an island that cannot be replicated a living monument of natural grandeur and cultural heritage.

The other day, as I stepped outside onto the street, I was greeted by a little old lady, who seemed to be waiting for me outside the door. She greeted me with a very deliberate ‘Hello!’ (of course she spoke in Greek, ‘Geia sas!’).

It turns out, Kuria Eleni lives in the place directly across the road. She has ‘noticed’ me many times and wanted to introduce herself. She has lived in the neighborhood all her life and apparently knows everyone.  John lives there, Foteini lives over there, and George used to live just over there before he passed away.  She was very interested in me, and had no hesitation in interviewing me on all the things one’s neighbor needs to know: What kind of work do I do? Where was I born? Where is my father from? How much is my rent (since she knew what the previous tenant was paying)? And wouldn’t I like to have a family some day…?

The interview came along with some important advice: Although we are in the centre of Athens, this is still a ‘community’ (‘geitonia’). We look out for each other. We also support the local neighbors. I go to this butcher, and to that bakery, and to that shop, and Mr. So-an-so has this or that, and Mrs. So-and-so knows lots of other stuff… And so it continued for about 20 minutes.

The good news is I have someone who is paying attention to my every move, who knows more about me than some of my friends, and who seems to genuinely interested in my life, or at least my comings-and-goings.

This, of course, is also the bad news.

Growing up in Canada, where I would barely recognize most of my neighbors, and where ‘personal space’ is holy, this kind of attention could be obtrusive, prying and quite uncomfortable.

Instead, here, surprisingly, it felt good, like Kuria Eleni was genuinely interested in me, and as if she was welcoming me into the community.

Yesterday morning when I stepped outside to take the garbage, she was wandering by, and greeting me by name, asking if I had seen how cold it was in Canada, and whether I was still happy having chosen to live in Greece.

In that moment, the answer was a resounding yes. 

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Levissi was abandoned after its Greek inhabitants returned to Greece, according to the population exchange between the two countries in June 30, 1923.

It is not the first time the Turkish state tries to sell the Greek village. During the first unsuccessful auction, activists launched a Facebook page called “Save Kayaköy,” urging for any restorations to be carried out in coordination with Greece, and be suitable for the environment as well as the area’s history.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

by Nikoleta Kalmouki