The two-day North Face Zagori Mountain Running 2014 opened in the region of Ioannina, western Greece, on Saturday with top Greek ultra-runner Dimitris Theodorakakos coming first in the new 80-kilometer race (Ultra race).
In its fourth year, this year the event is under the aegis of the National Greek Tourism Organisation (EOT), as an event of alternative tourism that boosts local economies.
It was the first time Theodorakakos ran, clocking at 9.35.03. The 140 participants from several countries set out at Tsepelovo at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday. The route has a positive elevation difference of 5,300 metres and its highest point is Tsuka Rosa in the Konitsa area.
Also run on Saturday was a mountain marathon, while Sunday’s races included a half-marathon (21 km), and a 10 km race.
Speaking to ANA-MPA, Theodorakakos exuded enthusiasm over the running route, which goes through sections of the National Park of the Pindus range of mountains that had not been used for years.
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