Taygetos Challenge
The international mountain running race "Taygetos Challenge" is organised every March in Taygetos, covering a route of 37 kilometres that passes through the imposing Vyros Gorge and the traditional villages of Exochori, Tseria, Pedinos and Agia Sofia. The Vyros Gorge stands out for its natural beauty and historical value, as along it passed the ancient Royal Road that connected the city of ancient Sparta with the port of Kardamyli. At this point, we should mention that 2/3 of the paths of the route pass through the "Natura 2000" protected zone.
The "Taygetos Challenge" race was held in 2010 for the first time to highlight the natural beauty of Taygetos and the area of Mani, as well as promote sports culture and mountain running. Since then, it has actively contributed to the maintenance, upgrading and promotion of the ancient paths as a particular part of the natural and cultural heritage of the place. The race is held in collaboration with the Municipality of Western Mani and the Region of Peloponnese, and every year, more than 1,000 athletes participate. The race starts from the central square of Kardamyli (on the road between the old Primary School and the square).
The "Taygetos Challenge" consists of the following five events:
- "Vertical Speed": A vertical ascending course 650 metres long, with 150 metres of positive elevation gain.
- "Marathon 37 km": A demanding route of 37 km for experienced mountain runners with 2,154 metres of positive elevation gain.
- "Experience 20 km": A signposted demanding route with 1,089 metres of positive elevation gain.
- "Basic 10 km": A route joined in 2022 with 460 metres of positive elevation gain.
- "Fun 5 km": A gentle, off-road route around Kardamyli, suitable for everyone and with a positive elevation gain of 201 metres.