The route in a few words.
The race starts from the lake of Votomos, near the village of Zaros, Crete, Greece. Both routes are the same for the first few kilometers.
At first we are crossing the spectacular canyon of St.Nikolaos or Gafaris. The first aid station is at 2,3km from the start. We continue the course and at the 5th km we arrive at the heart of the forest of Rouvas. After a small section around the forest, we arrive at the next central aid station St.John church (6th km).
The races split from this point on. The 11km route turns around and goes back towards Gafaris canyon. The return to lake Votomos passes once again from the first aid station at km 8,8.
The 25km race goes up from St.Johns church in a dirt road which fades into a trail. After 1,7km of technical ascent we reach the dirt road near the location "Diplori" at km 8,5 where we can find the next aid station. We take the high altitude dirt road(around 1400m) with direction north-west towards Skinakas observatory. At km 12,5 we reach the next aid station and final cut off point(3h30min) at Timios Stauros church (12,5km). The aid station is equipped with food, water, isotonic drinks, energy gels etc.
The race continues descending deep into the forest to location "Pigadi" at 15th km passing through the dry riverbank, we will find an old dirt road that is our last big ascent leading to aid station "Dio Prini" 17th km.
From this moment on the descent starts.The route traverses some interesting hills, thru fantastic scenery at high speeds, passing the E4 trail. We cross the river bank and arrive at St.Johns aid station again. Leaving the station we continue towards Gafaris canyon once more and then to Votomos lake. We pass from the aid station at 22th km and then arrive to the finish point, Lake Votomos.
