COAST TO COAST RACE 2027

IERAPETRA

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2027

The Ierapetra Health Runners Club is pleased to organize, for the 6th year, the Coast to Coast Race on March 21, 2027.

A race route through some of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in stunning Eastern Crete. Starting from Pachia Ammos beach on the northern Cretan Sea, it crosses the narrowest point of Crete and, with the dazzling Ha gorge as a backdrop, passes through the village of Episkopi, heads towards Pano Chorio, and then descends to Kato Chorio. Following the main road, it turns and goes through Kentri, with the final destination being the town of Ierapetra. The last 4 kilometers offer a little introduction to the town, as the route passes by its most important landmarks and ends at Minos Park, now touching the southern Cretan Sea (Libyan Sea), completing a route that connects the northern coast with the southern coast of Eastern Crete!

Also included are a certified 5,000 m city run in Ierapetra and a 1,000 m children's race - Half Marathon 21,100 meters - 5,000 meters Road Race - 5,000 meters Health & Power Walking - 1,000 meters Children's Race. ANNOUNCEMENT The Health Runners Club of Ierapetra, in collaboration with the Region of Crete and under the auspices of the Municipality of Ierapetra, announces three running races and a Health & Power Walking event. The races will be held under the following terms: The start of the 21,100-meter Half Marathon is set at Pachia Ammos Beach and the finish at Minos Park in Ierapetra. Athlete transportation will be provided from Minos Park by the organization’s buses, strictly until 8:00 a.m. The start and finish of the 5,000 m Road Race and the 5,000 m Health & Power Walking are set at Minos Park in Ierapetra. PARTICIPATION LIMIT To ensure the safe conduct of the races, a limit on participants is deemed necessary.. For this reason, make sure to register in time. - Half Marathon: 500 runners - 5 kilometers: 1,200 runners and walkers - Children's races: 300 kids SCHEDULE Friday 19/3/2027 - Packet pick-up (COSMOS SPORT): 17:00 – 21:00 Saturday 20/3/2027 - Packet pick-up (COSMOS SPORT): 9:00 – 20:00 Sunday 21/3/2027 - Packet pick-up (Minos Park): 7:00 – 11:00 - Half Marathon start (Pachia Ammos): 9:00 - Children's race start 1,000 m – 500 m: 9:40 – 9:50 - Disabled race start: 11:20 - 5 km start: 11:45 - 5 km power walking – Family Run: 11:50 - Trophy awards: 12:45 - Race end: 13:30 RACE DETAILS a) Half Marathon 21,100 m – Start time: 9:00 a.m. Course description: The 21,100 m route starts at Pachia Ammos. At the main intersection, we turn towards Ierapetra and follow the main road, with the imposing mountains of Thripti on the left side and the impressive Cha gorge.At the 7th kilometer, we leave the main road and turn towards the village of Episkopi. We go through Episkopi and, after passing another intersection, head towards Kato Chorio. At the 8th kilometer, we leave the main road and go uphill towards Ano Chorio; reaching its small square, we turn around and go downhill to meet Kato Chorio. At the 10th kilometer, we get back onto the main road, following the route towards Ierapetra. At the 13th kilometer, we leave the main road and head towards Kentri, and after passing the village, we get back onto the main road. Just after the 15th kilometer, we turn left and join the ring road (Ioannou Kapodistria). Reaching the Ierapetra – Sitia provincial road, we turn right and after 250 meters turn left to get onto the city's coastal promenade. Then we enter the harbor and, reaching the lighthouse, we turn around, pass .We pass by the site of the naval battle, head towards the mosque, and go through the narrow streets of the old town, in front of the church of Saint Spyridon and the patron saint of the town, Saint George. The runners head towards the new pedestrian street and continue along the city, parallel to the beachfront, finishing at Minos Park. There will be electronic timing and refreshment stations at the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th kilometers, while at various points there will be SEGAS referees, as the route is certified. In each village, there will be a welcome and music by local associations. To participate in the 21.100-meter Road Race, one must be at least 18 years old. The maximum duration of the half marathon is set to 3 hours; after that, athletes run at their own risk (passing 10 km in 1 hour and 20 minutes, race ends at 12:00 noon). AWARDS – PRIZES The first three will be awarded with a medal and a cup.The top three men and the top three women in the overall ranking, as well as the top three men and the top three women in each age category. Placement in the age category is based on the year of birth, not the exact date of birth. AGE CATEGORIES – AWARDS - Men: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ - Women: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ CASH PRIZES - 1st place: €300 (men) – €300 (women) - 2nd place: €200 (men) – €200 (women) - 3rd place: €100 (men) – €100 (women) The top three male and top three female residents of Ierapetra will receive gift vouchers from local businesses. The type of gift vouchers will be announced 10 days before the race. b) 5,000 m Running Race – Start time: 11:30 a.m. c) Health & Power Walking 5,000 m (non-competitive) The 5,000 m route starts from Minos Park in Ierapetra, heading towards the Cathedral. Passing the Cathedral, it turns and reaches the coastal road heading towards the castle. Then it enters the harbor and, upon reaching the lighthouse, makes a U-turn, passes the site of the naval battle, heads towards the mosque, and goes through the narrow streets of the old town, past the church of Saint Spyridon and the city's patron saint, Saint George. Runners head towards the new pedestrian street and continue along the city, parallel to the coastal road, finishing at Minos Park in Ierapetra. There will be electronic timing and a refreshment station at the 2.5 km mark. The route is flat and certified. SEGAS referees will be present along the entire course. AWARDS – PRIZES The first three men and women in the overall ranking, as well as the first three men and women in each age category, will be awarded a medal and a trophy. Age category placement is based on the year of birth, not the exact birthdate.