The Palaiochora Runners Association "Palaiochora Trail Running Team" invites you on Sunday, 29/03/2026, to the 8th "Krokodeilos Trail" mountain running race.

Who we are: 

A great group of athlete friends who created and constitute the:

Palaiochora Runners Association «Palaiochora Trail Running Team»: 

The goals of our sports association and its events are:

• The development of sports/alternative leisure tourism, especially during the winter period.

• The transmission of sporting values and "fair play" to younger generations through the participation of children in corresponding introductory races.

• The promotion and protection of the natural beauty of the wider area.

• In the "Krokodeilos Trail," the largest part of the route is included in the "NATURA 2000" Ecovalue program.

Krokodeilos Trail Race: 

A particularly technical and demanding mountain running race on rocky paths with constant elevation changes, exclusively for experienced and well-trained athletes. It covers a distance of 20.5 km with 1,200 meters of positive and negative elevation gain. This is a "point to point" race, starting from Sougia and finishing in Palaiochora. The name "Krokodeilos Trail" is inspired by the shape of the cape located east of Palaiochora, Chania, which resembles a giant petrified crocodile swimming. It also has a metaphorical meaning, as the route profile features 4 very sharp "teeth" (similar to those of the animal) and the terrain hides many sharp rocks that resemble teeth. 

The "Crocodile" of Palaiochora is completely immobile and tamed, waiting for visitors to discover its beauty. 

The race takes place in Southwest Crete, along the axis: 

Sougia - Ancient Lissos - Lychnou Lakkos - Ammoutsaki beach - Gialiskari beach (up to here, following the international E4 path connecting Sougia with Palaiochora) - Anidroi Gorge - Prophet Elias of Anidroi - Papouri - Keratides - Mylos - Vigles - Palaiochora. 

• You can view and download the route to your device from the following link: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1109302585 

• Additionally, the route will be available on the ITRA, Trace de Trail, and UTMB websites.

Race Regulations 

Athletes are required to fully respect the regulations described below. They are also obliged to follow the instructions of the Club organizing the race. Failure to comply with the regulations or instructions will result in disqualification. When race judges notice violations, they record them and inform the violators. Any other authorized person from the organization may also record any violation they notice and submit it to the Race Committee for consideration.

Program: 

• Saturday 28/03/2026:

18:00 - 21:00: Pasta Party & distribution of participation packets to athletes.

• Sunday 29/03/2026:

07:30: Departure of athlete transportation from Palaiochora to Sougia.

08:00 - 09:00: Secretariat operation in Sougia for the delivery of participation packets (only for athletes who could not collect them the previous day and have notified the organization).

09:30: Race starts from Sougia.

11:30: Cut-off time for the last athlete at the Gialiskari Station (10.0 km).

11:30: Estimated arrival time of the first athlete at the finish.

13:00: Awards ceremony.

13:30: Race closing - Lunch.

Detailed Route Description - Krokodeilos Trail: 

The race starts from the coastal road of Sougia heading west. The first 500 meters are on a flat asphalt road. After passing the small port of Sougia on the left, we enter the well-known E4 path connecting Sougia with Ancient Lissos and Palaiochora. From this point on, the entire route moves along a rocky, technical path that requires special attention. Entering the gorge of Sougia, we move along the ancient path connecting the ancient cities of Sougia and Lissos, starting with a 1.5 km uphill (+165m elevation gain) followed by a 1 km downhill. In case of rain, extreme caution is required after exiting the forest section before completing the climb, as it becomes muddy and dangerously slippery. Descending, we admire the view of the Ancient Lissos bay, passing the Temple of Asclepius with its famous mosaic floor, the recently excavated ancient theater, and the spring with healing water that still flows today. Leaving the settlement of Ancient Lissos, a steep, rocky, and labyrinthine 1.6 km path begins (+240m elevation gain) over sharp rocks (walking is recommended, especially toward the end before the Lychnou Lakkos Station where the rocks are "razor-sharp"). We reached the main station "Lychnou Lakkos" (5.0 km) to refuel. We continue for 400 meters on a slight downhill abandoned dirt road where Palaiochora first appears in the distance, then enter a 2 km steep, loose downhill path toward Ammoutsaki beach. This is followed by 3 km of mild gradients—an opportunity to catch your breath—until the 2nd station, "Gialiskari" (10.0 km). At this point, we leave the E4 path; the marking changes to orange marks with red and white ribbon. The course turns North uphill toward the village of Anidroi, moving along the sides of the famous Anidroi Gorge. Just before the exit, we turn sharply West, ascending a steep rocky scree that leads to the classic climb for the chapel of Prophet Elias. Ring the bell loudly and enjoy the view of the South Cretan Sea and Gialiskari. For the next 0.5 km, we move along a winding, technical downhill path. Here you will find the Anidroi station (12.7 km) to refuel with liquids and food. Next, for about 1.5 km, we follow an initially downhill and then undulating agricultural road until we enter another 1 km loose downhill path. After catching the views, we reach the 4th central station, "Keratides" (16 km). We remain at sea level for 1.5 km on the outskirts of Palaiochora, preparing for the final and most difficult climb of the race, requiring the use of both hands and feet (0.8 km, +215m elevation gain). At the Vigles summit (18 km), you have a view of the entire South Cretan Sea, the Southwest White Mountains, the hinterland, and our destination, Palaiochora. From here, only 2.5 km remain: 1.5 km of steep downhill and the final km on flat ground through the settlement of Palaiochora.

Participation Requirements: 

Since the route is highly technical (90-95% on rocky paths with constant inclination changes), previous participation in similar races will be evaluated. There is a disqualification time limit at the Gialiskari station (10.0 km) of 2 hours from the start. This cut-off is for the safety of the athletes and the smooth conduct of the race. Athletes must be at least 18 years old on race day, participate at their own risk, and must have undergone appropriate medical examinations.

Registration & Participation Cost: 

The participation fee is 25 euros. For registration to be valid, the fee must be paid into the Association's bank account: IBAN GR7401711690006169145028520 (Piraeus Bank), beneficiary: "PALAIOCHORA RUNNERS ASSOCIATION", or via credit/debit card within 5 working days. The registration deadline is 18/03/2026, with a limit of 140 participants. If spots remain after the deadline, athletes may register the day before or on the day of the race until the limit is reached.

Provisions:

• Pasta Party on Saturday 28/03/2026.

• Electronic timing.

• Transportation from Palaiochora to Sougia on race day.

• Food and water supply during the race.

• Post-race meal.

• Personal belongings storage at the finish line.

• Commemorative finisher medal (a replica of the Ancient Lissos coin).

• Technical apparel or accessory.

Aid Stations: 

The organization provides support at four (4) intermediate points:

• Lychnou Lakkos (5th km)

• Gialiskari (10.0 km)

• Anidroi (12.7 km)

• Keratides (16.0 km)

• Available items: water, sesame bars (pasteli), orange juice, Cola, dried fruit, nuts, chips, biscuits, and salt.

Equipment: 

The race is an adventure race utilizing the natural terrain. We suggest the following for safety: Mandatory Equipment:

• Hydration: Due to sparse stations, a water container is mandatory.

• Shoes: Trail running shoes with enhanced grip and stability are required.

• Technical Clothing: Moisture-wicking shirt and shorts for protection and comfort.

• Windbreaker/Waterproof: Mandatory in case of severe weather. Optional Equipment:

• GPS, mobile phone, whistle, route map, small first-aid kit, hat, sunglasses, buff.

Marking: 

The route is well-marked, but high attention is required. Marking is dense, especially at intersections. Up to Gialiskari (10.0 km): Yellow-black paint and direction signs. After Gialiskari: Orange paint and direction signs. If an athlete misses the markers, they are considered off-course and must return to the last known mark or seek help.

Categories - Souvenirs - Awards: 

Awards will be given for:

• General Classification: Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women.

• Men: Up to 44, 45-54, 55+.

• Women: Up to 44, 45-54, 55+.

• All participants will receive commemorative medals and gifts.

• Awards will take place at the finish (Skala, Eastern Beach, Palaiochora) on Sunday, 29/03/2026, at 13:00.

Accommodation: 

Information is available on the website of the Paleochora Room Rental Association

Transportation:

The organization will provide a boat or bus (weather-dependent) to transport athletes from Palaiochora to Sougia on race morning.

Terms of Participation: 

The race is for experienced athletes. Previous experience will be reviewed (recall the 2-hour cut-off at 10km). Participation implies that the athlete has read the full announcement and is aware of the route's difficulty and required equipment.

Disclaimer: 

The Palaiochora Runners Association is not responsible for death, injury, or health damage. By entering, athletes acknowledge the risks of the mountain environment and certify they are in good health. No medical certificate is required, but athletes should undergo regular check-ups. The Association reserves the right to disqualify an athlete based on a doctor's opinion during the race. Athletes must behave responsibly in high-risk areas. The Association holds no financial responsibility for external assistance provided to any athlete.

Solemn Declaration: 

I participate in the "Krokodeilos Trail" at my own risk, having undergone medical exams certifying I am healthy and fit for competition. I waive any claim for compensation against the organizer for any damage and consent to the use of my name and photographic material by media and social networks.

Contact 

• Schetakis Dimos: 6978557252 

• Petrakis Manos: 6974633582