Taygetos Challenge

Stone paths, pieces of soft soil, cobblestones, forest roads, gorges and picturesque villages are constantly alternating and combined with the impressive view of the snow-capped peaks will not leave you indifferent for a single moment. We recommend a sturdy trail shoe, with good cushioning and toe protection. Every year before the race, the paths are marked and cleaned with gentle manual means, essential work for the promotion of the area but also for the safety of the athletes. It is worth noting that 2/3 of the paths of the race pass through the protected Natura 2000 zone. The routes pass through the gorge of Byros which, in addition to its natural beauty, also stands out due to its historical importance as along it passed the ancient Royal Road that connected ancient Sparta with the port of Kardamyli. The passage from Dubitsia is also an emblematic part of the race and of the protected area: it is a plateau with special flora but also remnants of other times, terraces, buildings and cisterns, making up the natural landscape. One of the "secret" corners of Taygetos which, not without reason, has been labeled a "Wildlife Refuge". The Taygetos Challenge, for eleven years, has been contributing to the maintenance, upgrading and promotion of these ancient paths as a special part of the natural and cultural heritage of our country.