For the second time in two years we launch a new race location! With the number of races steadily growing +1 per year since 2007, it becomes essential to provide with variety on all fronts (distances, formats, concepts, locations).

The choice of the area had to respond to criterias pertaining to road quality, quietness of the area, limited traffic, clean swim venue and suitable (accessible) transition area. The search for the spot led us scouting in the Markopoulos/ Vravrona area and our decision was quickly taken.

Approaching the local authorities was a satisfying process, the Mayor office working very efficiently, being very supportive & responsive of our initiative.

By race day we had secured safety on the roads, support vehicles for the bike, access to a neat transition area, safety boats and crews on the sea and support from the local communauty who came to watch and support. The municipality team all came around to watch the race and headed the awards ceremony.

It was a very enriching experience... We knew from our experience with Astros that things go much smoothly with the due support of the local authorities. But at last we found out that this was achievable in Attiki.

The Mayor office of Marathonas has never shown any support or understanding of our race, no way of communicating seemed to go through to them. And this was always the hindrance, for any fax from the National Federation could write-off instantly their (meagre) support.

Whereas having a good relationship with the Markopoulos/ Vravrona authorities proved to be key: when the faxes arrived, a few days before the race, from the National Federation, we actually got support! The Mayor and his team wanted the event to take place as much as we did. They discarded the claims of illegitimity from the Federation, and kept helping us get the event going.