Astros, Peloponnese, 2hrs drive away from Athens... a breeze of fresh air...

We discovered the region while training for our first IM race back in 2009. The kms of asphalts on the rolling hills of the coastal roads, free of traffic, magnificient landscapes, right under the blazing sun... The quiet bay ideal for the morning swim, no tide no currents, with crystal clear water... And a nice place to run - albeit a bit on the hot side!

When it was decided we would upper the distances of Schiniathlon, it became clear we would have to move outside of Attiki. The half-iron format means the event is going for 8hrs on race day, the athletes have to check-in the day before, and we need a quiet area and roads for safety... and pleasure. Difficult to achieve in Attiki, especially under the circumstances of us being so very little welcome there.

Approaching the local authorities was a relief. There was a genuine desire from the region to host our race. They really expressed a will to help us out and encouraged us in our endeavour.

They gave us everything we needed. The school was made available for us throughout the race week-end, oustide for transition-area, inside for race-office and storage. Traffic control measures were in place to help make the race safe. Boats were in the sea to supervise the swim. The coast guards were on alert, the local police station, the traffic police...

It was a the first time Schiniathlon Team had worked in such a cooperative atmosphere and it felt great. Our appetite to organise races was revived!

And to have 110 athletes for the inaugural race over such distances was simply awesome. All athletes had a great experience, it seems all went perfectly smoothly.