OLYMPUS MYTHICAL TRAIL > EN > BRIEFING 2023
Please read the following useful information, which applies specifically to participants in the 2023 race
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Race packs - bib numbers: You will be able to collect your race pack starting on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., and consequently on Friday (12:00-23:00)
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Secretariat / Venue: Both at “Lakkos” in Litochoro, just 200 metres from the main square.
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Starting time: There will be a total start for the whole pack of the athletes just at midnight of Friday to Saturday night
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Timing chips: To be worn on your backpack or vest, not on your shoelaces! This is mandated by the organizers; you will not be allowed to start the race if your timing chip is on your shoes!
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Bib number: Please wear this on your front, not on your back, to make sure it is visible to the timing volunteers at the checkpoints. Besides your race number, your bib also shows your starting order, your starting time, the emergency telephone number, and the race altitude profile, marked with the race’s aid stations.
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Mandatory equipment: The usual mandatory equipment exists from this year again (read the regulations); All athletes will be inspected at two different checkpoints. No bib number shall be given without presenting the mandatory waterproof jacket and the vest (backpack) at the secretariat. Make sure you don't forget to check your timing chip on the backpack!
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Suggested equipment: Apart from mandatory equipment the organizing committee suggests that the competitors should carry along with them items like gps wrist-watch with gpx file loaded, food, sun-cap, sun-glasses, walking sticks, running gaiters.
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Aid stations: You may not approach the tables at aid stations and help yourself. Due to the current circumstances of the sanitary precautions, you will be given everything you need by the aid station volunteers.
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Emergency telephone number: +30 6986513613 - this is also marked on your race bib.
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Live results: Real-time race results will be posted at race's website, for 20 checkpoints, allowing thus everyone to monitor the progress of the race. Please inform your companions and supporters about this service. Details of runners dropping out of the race will also be posted in real time.
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Technical briefing: no techical briefing will take place, due to sanitary covid-19 restrictions. Only emails will be sent to athletes prior to the race day.
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Weather: Usually the weather this period of the year is fair but scattered thunderstorms are not so rare, especially late afternoon or even early night. Details about the weather of the race day are available on various forecast websites. Please consult these pages and their updates before the race day (Friday all day). Furthermore take in mind that at altitudes above 2500 metres, the weather is always extreme and unpredictable, and cannot be compared to the weather at lower altitudes. Mind your equipment!
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Cut-off times: Unless it becomes necessary to interrupt the race due to extreme weather conditions, the intermediate cut-off times are six: 1) 3:00 hours at Koromilia (K-13), 2) 5:00 hours at Petrostrougka (K-18), 3) 7:30 hours at Oropedio (K-24), 4) 14:00 hours at Karya (K-49), 5) 21:00 hours at Aiyiannis (K-75), 6) 27:00 hours at Prionia (K-91). These times refer each runner’s net time in the race, as documented by the starting time marked on their bib. Cases of runners who started late due to their own negligence will not be taken in account from the organization. Athletes who for any reason gave their bib numbers considered to be out of competition, so organization has no responsibility at all for them!
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Water: Safe, potable running water is available at the following points in the race: Km 7 – 10 – 13 – 46 – 50 – 67 – 68 – 70 – 88 – 93 – 94 – 100. It might seem that there is water throughout the course, but please note that major distances may divide one water point from the other, e.g. km 13 to km 46 (33 km apart). In general, when running in the summer and at high altitude, as is the case here, you will need a lot of water. It goes without saying that you may drink the quantity of water you are entitled to at the aid stations. In general, Olympus is an arid mountain in the higher sections, but also lower down.
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Pacers: Persons not entered in the race may not accompany the runners. No pacers are allowed in Olympus Mythical Trail. Runners doing the race jointly must both have bib numbers, otherwise this will be considered as unfair competition!
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Route signposting: The main signposting includes red and white markings on trees and rocks (trees at lower altitudes, rocks in the alpine zone). Other than the main signposting, you will also see other marks, such as small reflective signs that are useful in the dark as they reflect torchlight, the usual red-and-white tape tied to tree branches at crossroads and other crucial points, and small plastic M signs nailed to tree trunks.
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Social distancing: Please maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus by carriers who don’t have any symptoms and cannot therefore be identified!
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Litter: Please don’t leave your litter on the tracks, it is an insult to the sport and to your fellow athletes. Every year, we find more and more energy gel packages on the route. This shows that the more competitive the event becomes, the less ethical its participants; this makes us very sad but we can do little more than impose penalties.
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Missed checkpoints: Missing checkpoints entails a penalty disqualification after the investigation from the organizing committee, so please pay attention. Particular attention should be paid to “Skolio” checkpoint, which requires athletes to reach the exact summit and not bypass it. Passing even a few metres below the summit means missing the checkpoint and a penalty of one hour!
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Finishing times: These will be determined by the timing software used for the race. No personal calculations or finishing times from individual watches will be taken into consideration! Therefore no objections raised by participants will be accepted!
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Hiking poles (walking sticks): These are allowed from the beginning of the race! You can pick them up or drop them off wherever you want, if you have a support team, or leave them with your drop-bag.
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Drop-bag: (provided) Your drop-bag will be waiting for you at Karya aid station (K-49). You may drop it off at the Secretariat before the race starts; it will be taken to Aigiannis by the organizers, and brought back to Litochoro after the race.
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Transportation: In case of an injury, transfer to Litochoro or to hospital will be provided by the responsible entity (Organizers, Rescue Team, Emergency Services, Mountain Rescue), but all expenses shall be charged to the injured party! Our association is not a government service, and cannot be charged with expenses for which it is not liable!
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Drop-outs and Cut-offs: Due to the pandemic, runners who drop out of the race or are cut off CANNOT be transported by the organizers, for health & safety reasons. A taxi will be called to transfer you to Litochoro, at your own expense
