Registration is now open for the Navarino Challenge 2023

The Navarino Challenge returns for 11th year, at 13-15 October 2023 in Costa Navarino and Pylos. This year, the over 40 sports activities of the three days, will take place in the hotels W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

For first time Navarino Challenge Marathon by That Gorilla Brand

For first time in the history of the organization, it will be held marathon, Navarino Challenge Marathon by That Gorilla Brand, with the participants having the opportunity to cross the beach of Voidokilia. Accordingly, the participants will do the same Half Marathon, Navarino Challenge Half Marathon by That Gorilla Brand. The most famous beach of Messinia – with a unique shape that outlines the Greek letter O – and one of the most beautiful in the whole world, is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to try their hand at running.

The peculiar name of this enchanting location, Voidokoilia, can be traced back to an ancient myth about Hermes, who stole his brother Apollo’s oxen and hid them in a cave above the beach. Hermes, feeling remorseful, gave Apollo a lyre made from the shell of a sea turtle, which to this day lays its eggs in the bay. The event gives the opportunity to the participants to run on Marathon 42km and to one of the top Half marathons 21.1 km. in Greece, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon Konstantinos Karnazis. These are the only trail run races that combine dirt, sand and asphalt.

At the same time, the runners can run the enchanting route of the 10km powered by Miele, next to the sea or the route of 5 km., among olive trees hundreds of years old, which they can follow even with a brisk walk. One will be held on the same day 1km route, for 9-14 year olds and one route 1 km for children up to 8 years old.

Register for the run

Run participants can directly take part in the 42km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km and 1km routes. The children’s race is held free of charge. Register through the special form available below link.

We are running for a good cause

All revenue from his fight Marathon as well as the 50% of revenue from all other running routes will be given, through the initiative “That Gorilla Brand’s Adventures For A Cause” of Grand Sponsor That Gorilla Brand, of the largest lifestyle brand in the world that concerns the protection of the mountain gorilla, to improve sanitation facilities in Uganda. Out of a total of 16 schools located around the edges of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BNIP) and close to habitats inhabited by mountain gorillas, only three meet hygiene standards for children and teachers and all the remaining 13 schools require significant financial and humanitarian assistance.

see video with some highlights from the running routes of the Navarino Challenge:

The hospitality of Messinia

Messinia will host for one more year the top celebration of sports tourism. After all, the Messinians are famous for hospitality their. Homer tells the story as follows: in search of Odysseus’ father, Telemachus, accompanied by the goddess Athena in mortal form, went out at night to Voidokoilia, which was the port of ancient Pylos, to ask King Nestor about the whereabouts of Odysseus’ father. The king made a feast with his sons and gave the travelers his best food and best wine. Only after they had eaten and rested did he ask them who they were and what was the purpose of their visit. This is the first written mention of hospitality in the Western world and is found in Homer’s Odyssey.

Book your accommodation package now

Enjoy three days filled with outdoor wellness activities for young and old. Get the full package of sporting activities, including breakfast, and live the unique sporting and cultural experience of the year. For more information about the accommodation packages to full of energy W Costa Navarino and in luxury The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you can send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call it Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. See here the packages.

The event’s rich program includes over 40 sports activities which will take place in the hotels W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

In this year’s activities you will find, in addition to running, activities such as: basketball lessons and 4on4 basketball tournaments, beach volleyball tournaments, tennis (tennis tournaments, lessons and demonstrations), beachathlon, pilates, climbing, cycling in Voidokolia, golf, boxing, crossfit, yoga, high intensity training, spinning, water sports and others that will be announced in the coming days.

Grand Sponsor of the organization is the That Gorilla Brand.

Official Sponsor is Miele.

Official Supporter is Europa.

Official Sports Equipment Supplier is Luanvi.

Premium Mobility Partner of the organization is SIXTY, member of the Group MOTODYNAMICS.

Official Hosting Sponsors is Costa Navarino and the hotels W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.

Partners of the Navarino Challenge are the Restaurant Poseidonia, Karalis Beach Hotel, Pilia Express, Phee, Karalis City Hotel & Spa and Zoe Seaside Resort.

Sports Memorabilia Partner is Trace ‘n Chase.

Official Optics Partner of the organization are the Kois Optics.

Official Beauty Partner is Messinian Spa.

Premium TV Partner is the SKY.

Educational Partner it’s the Deree – American College of Greece.

Athletes Collaborators of the Navarino Challenge are the FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena.

Helpers of the Navarino Challenge are the Vita N TravelAssociation of Pylos Tourism Development Businesses.

The Navarino Challenge has been included in the Greek actions of the program #BeactiveHellas 2023 of the European Commission and is under auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The organization and sports production has been undertaken by ActiveMedia Group.

More information on this year’s activities will be announced in the coming weeks.