Andros Trail Race : The Purpose

 

On 2nd October 2016, Andros and its trails hosted the first mountain running race Andros Trail Race. 300 athletes participating- from Greece and from abroad- had the chance to meet the beautiful scenery, the hiking routes, the cultural monuments and the local people.
On the 1st Andros Trail Race there was a series of events, consisted of a 22km main trail race, a 10km parallel race as well as other events (tours to the points of interest of the routes, hiking, pasta party with local handmade products, technical information of the races etc). These events had a great appeal to the running circles and the local community.
The purpose of the second race, taking place on 30th September and 1st October, is to create the ideal conditions that will promote the island’s economy, tourism and development in a different way.
This year the organization presents two main races, 24km and 10km (1st October 2017) and two parallel races, 5km and 1km (30th September 2017).
We hope that ATR will become an annual big sports event and a meeting point for demanding national and international athletes.
Andros, without a doubt, has all the necessary elements, offering a spectacular natural scenery, filled with mountains, valleys, rivers and green, but most importantly with an excellently identified network of hiking routes. Andros is the first island to be certified with “Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe” from the European Ramblers Association.
The purpose was and is a complex and multi-dimensional event, aiming the promotion and development of the area, through active participation.
• Creating a great sports event and becoming annual.
• Promoting the trails.
• Promoting the island, as an alternative vacation destination.
• Promoting of Andros unique ecosystem.
• Extending the touristic period.
• Decentralizing the sport activities from the two urban centers.
• Introducing Andros to the participants.
• Raising environmental awareness of all participants, athletes, escorts, viewers and volunteers.
• Discovering athletes’ limits and boosting their will for participating in a demanding race.
• Encouraging street athletes with little experience to participate in such races.
• Providing standards to children and encouraging them

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