"Ierápetra, we have a problem!" 🚀 Rest assured, unlike Apollo 13, the only risk here is ending up with stars in your eyes and a bit of Cretan dust on your cheeks 💫. We invite you at the end of March for a challenge that would make the Labors of Hercules look like a simple stretching session 🏛️. The Coast to Coast is the ultimate adventure that invites you to connect the north and south of the island in record time ⏱️. We talk about an epic crossing of Crete, starting from the north coast at Pachia Ammos to reach the south at Ierápetra, the southernmost city in Europe🌍.
On the menu, the chef offers formats for all legs 🦵: the Half-Marathon (21.1 km) that slices through the isthmus end to end, an explosive 5 km for speed enthusiasts 💥 or hikers, and a kids' race so future champions can also taste glory 🎢. We cross the island's narrowest isthmus where the land seems to want to merge with the sea 🌊. The profile? It's a road, but with a soul 🦴. Between the deep blue of the Aegean Sea at the start and the Libyan Sea at the finish 🏁, you discover a side of Greece 🇬🇷 that tourists in sandals and socks will never see 🦶.
We run in the landscapes of Zorba the Greek, but in fast-forward mode 🎬. No need to dance the sirtaki at the finish 💃, but the atmosphere in Ierápetra might make you want to break a few plates in joy 🍽️. The race is legendary for its straight-line route cutting the land between two imposing mountains. ⛰️ It's pure, it's mineral, and it's incredibly rewarding when you finally see the blue horizon after swallowing the kilometers of asphalt 🌅.
The race's DNA also includes what happens after the finish line 🥙. Once you've showered 🚿, enjoy local flavors: the olive oil from Crete is reputed to be one of the best in the world, and you'll quickly see why 🫒. Between family excursions playing Indiana Jones in the surrounding gorges 🏞️, we settle on the terrace to savor dakos or a frappé coffee by the port. ☕ You don't need to be an Olympic god to participate, but a good pair of legs and a steely mind will be your best allies. ⚡ The Coast to Coast is more than a foot race, it's a straight line to your own legend 👑.
So, are you ready to become the next modern-day marathoner? 🔥
Your half marathon starts at Pacheia Ammos. At the main crossroad, you will turn towards Ierapetra following the main road, where you will pass by the towering Thripti mountains and the Ha gorges rising on your left. 🏔️ At km 7, you will leave the main path to head towards the village of Episkopi. You will cross the town and pass another crossroad towards Kato Chorio 🏘️.
At km 8, you will leave the road again to climb towards Pano Chorio. Once on its small square, you will turn around and descend to reach Kato Chorio 🎢. At km 10, you will find the main road back towards Ierapetra. Three kilometers further, you will veer towards Kentri. After passing the village, you will join the main route for a short moment ⛪️.
Just after km 15, you will turn left to join the ring road (Ioannou Kapodistrias). Arriving at the provincial road Ierapetra - Sitia, you will take a right, then 250 meters later, turn left to join the pedestrian street of the waterfront. 🌊 You will then enter the port and, once at the lighthouse, you will turn back. You will pass the site of the naval battle, head to the mosque, and weave through the narrow alleys of the old town, past the Church of Saint-Spyridon and the Church of Saint-Georges ⚓️. You will finally join the new pedestrian street and continue your effort along the town to finish your journey at the Minos park 🏁.
On the logistics side, you will find timing points and refreshment stations at the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th kilometers to recharge your energy until the finish line! 🥤
You can collect your race bib on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Pacheia Ammos. Additionally, there will be a bib pickup station available on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Minos Park from 7 AM to 11 AM.
The races will kick off on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Ierápetra at the following times:
The Half Marathon will start at 9 AM from Pacheia Ammos.
Children's races will begin at 9:50 AM at Minos Park in Ierápetra.
The 5 km race and the dynamic walk will commence at 11:30 AM from Minos Park in Ierápetra.
The events are open to participants aged 14 and older for the 3-day events, 16 and older for the 2-day events, and 15 and older for tandem races.
The official end time for the races is set for 1:30 PM. After this time, you must continue on the sidewalks at your own risk.
For the half marathon, refreshment stations will be placed along the route at kilometers 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20, as well as at the finish line.
For the 5 km race, refreshments will be available midway (at 2.5 km) and at the finish line.
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