25 September 2025

With a historic record of participation exceeding 6,000, Crete is preparing to welcome athletes from 52 countries for the anniversary 10th International Crete Half Marathon. This year’s event, which completes a decade of success, confirms its position as the largest sporting event on the island and a leading sports tourism hub.

The success and establishment of the institution is the result of a broad collaboration, with the initiative and main responsibility for the organization belonging to the Arkalochori Sports Health Association (ATHL.S.Y.). The Region of Crete and the Municipality of Minoa Pediada stand by it as main co-organizers, along with the valuable support of the local Cultural Associations of Arkalochori, Thrapsano, Voni-Galatas and Choumerio-Zoforos. The international reach and importance of the race for the country’s tourism promotion is underlined by the auspices of the Greek Tourism Organization (GTO).

At a press conference held today in the Region of Crete, the co-organizers expressed their satisfaction with the massive response of the people and emphasized the significant benefits for the local economy and society. As mentioned, among the thousands of runners there will be great names in Greek and world track and field, which portends a high-level racing spectacle.

The Crete Half Marathon has evolved into an institution that embraces the entire society. The joy of participation, the excellent organization and the promotion of Crete as an

ideal destination for sports events constitute our greatest success, as the representatives in attendance pointed out.

Attending were the Deputy Governor of Crete, Giorgos Pitsoulis, and the Deputy Governor of Heraklion, Nikos Syrigonakis, from the Region of Crete, Stefanos Psyllakis, Deputy Mayor of Sports and Education from the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, and Sakis Stavropoulos, Member of the Board of Directors of ATHLIS.SY.

Statements about the organization were made by those present:

Deputy Regional Governor for Sports Leonidas Terzis: “An emblematic race, an institutional race that highlights the Cretan hospitality, fair play and the harmonious relationship between the two levels of local administration, in collaboration with sports clubs, volunteers and bodies.

Sports are the crowning glory of culture, while contributing to extroversion and promotion. The 10th Crete Half Marathon brings together all the characteristics of a major sporting event. The region of Crete is once again standing by the organizers, institutionally and financially supporting the organization. We wish the athletes good luck, we are sure that we will enjoy a beautiful race this year too.”

Mayor of Arkalochori, Vasilis Keggeroglou: “We are delighted to welcome for the 10th year the athletes of the Crete Half Marathon as well as the thousands of loyal visitors who are looking forward to this unique and special event!

The Crete Half Marathon is a top sporting and cultural event for Crete and the Municipality of Minoa Pediada and is now part of the lives of its residents and visitors.

It is a typical example of success through the joining of forces that contributes to the promotion of the values of Sports, Volunteerism and our culture, with a focus on the hospitality of the people of our country.

As a Municipality, we work – from our heart – for a perfect organization and as Mayor of the area where the Half Marathon is held, I express my full support for this great celebration of Sports.

We look forward to sharing this unique and unforgettable experience with all of us, both for our visitors and the participating runners, many of whom have traveled from far away destinations to stand at the start of the Crete Half Marathon!

President of the Arkalochori Sports Health Association, George Alevyzakis. “The international half marathon of Crete, the largest sports event on the island, is breaking records again this year with 6,000 athletes, 1,500 from outside Crete, participants from 52 countries. Among them will be top Greek and foreign track and field champions. The Crete Half Marathon is a purely voluntary event. This year, over 750 volunteers are ready to give their best.
Sunday, October 5th is an opportunity for those who did not manage to secure participation or do not want to run, to come to the race route, enjoy the event and welcome the athletes who came to our country with us.

The Games

The competition program of the event includes routes for all ages and abilities:

· Half Marathon: 21.1 km.

· Road Race: 10 km.