Irakleios Athlos 27k +2000m, Erymanthos 20150607

2nd edition of Irakleios Athlos mountain half marathon. Very demanding route with 2000+ elevation gain and some really rough terrain. This year's route was changed with additional ~2km and 350m elevation, and also it was in opposite direction (start in Kalousi and finish in Lakomata). I treated it as great preparation for Olympus Marathon at the end of the month :-D

0,0k at 800m - Kalousi. Start from main square of the village, following asphalt road at first, then a bit of dirt road and onto the trail juzt after 1.5k. And all the way up with very steep climb (upto 35%, and average 25%). This was the main reason I took hiking sticks with me. I started pretty hard and kept 4th-5th position (there were some other guys from small race in front of me as well).

3,0k at 1375m - 1st aid station. Just before the end of the climb. Still early in the race, so just a quick stop for fluids and some potato chips. The grade got a bit easier from this point.

3,6 at 1570m - At this point small (13k) and big (27k) races got apart, the big one still having some climb to do. It was now clear who is running which race and I figured out I was actually 4th at this point. After a bit of flat and mild section, we ran down for 2-3min to get to a short climb (hands needed). Then descent until 2nd station.

6,8k at 1550m - 2nd station. A bit of remote one with very basic supply. Terrain got very wild here with path semi vissible. Weather got also a bit cold and windy as we entered inside the cloud. Again harder climb started with very wet terrain. I managed to catch up to the 3rd runner and we were running together for next few kilometers (company of another runner was nice in this weather and terrain)

9,5k at 1820m - base of the Olenos summit and highest point of the race where 3rd station was located in small hut. Probably the worst weather conditions were at this point. Being well inside the cloud, vissibility dropped to sthg like 15m maximum! It was still possible to see markings (great job!) but I still used GPS to avoid looking around. Very long and quite pleasant descent starts from here with pretty good path (vissible and clear). This is where I managed to pass my companion and advance to 3rd spot.

12,7k at 1530m - 4th station as the route entered the forest. Still nice and easy descent to the village of Michas and Tsapournia (short asphalt section through the villages).

17,4k at 850m - 5th station just after the village. I managed to build fare advantage over guys behind me as I havent seen anyone behind since previous station (even on wide open terrain). After refilling my bottle and grabbing some potato chips, I started last climb of the race. I got warm at this point and together with fatigue and grade, all this started to impact me a lot...

20,1k at 1090m - 6th station. Finally the climb was over!!! It appeared to be pretty steep and very technical. Even few descents were tiring :-/ Anyway, I didnt spend too much time at the station and started the descent with moderate tempo to bring back some life to my tired legs. First section on paths was technical, but then I reached dirt road and finally started to run fast and comfortable.

23,4k at 730m - 7th station next to the church. They had only water here so I didnt bother to stop (still had enough in my bottle). I was pretty tired and looking to finish asap. The good news were, I could see at least 2km up to the dirt road I came from and tell that no one is within 10min range behind me :-D GREAT, I can do the last part relaxed :-P It was a nice path next to the spring so the heat was not a problem any more. Then to the village and finish line :-DDDD

25,1k at 600m - Lakomata. Finish. 3rd overall (NICE :-D) with 3:48 (about 14min behind the winner).

I mark it very difficult due to: distance, elevation gain, terrain and weather. Awesome race! One of the most demanding routes I have ran!