TeRA

A landmark race in the history of Ultra Mountain Running

A few words about TeRA

TeRA is an ultra trail race of 60km and elevation gain approximately of 4000m. It starts at 05:00 with total time limit 15h, including 1 intermediate cut-off (elimination) point.

Elevation Profile

iTRA & UTMB

3 iTRA POINTS

RACE CATEGORY

Basic details

Participation limit

A maximum of 300 athletes can participate in the race.

Time limit
15 hours since the race start
Intermediate cut off point

Stomiou Monastery: 4hrs & 45min after your designated start time (exit from the station)

Race description

The route is as follows:

Tsepelovo – Avalos – Siadi Mygas – Ntavalista – Drakolimni (Dragon Lake) – Astraka Refuge – Lake Rombosi – Avgerinos – Beloi – Vradeto – Tsepelovo (finish).

The race starts from the High School of Tsepelovo. After passing through the village for 1 km, it enters a dirt road for 3 kilometers and then a trail for 4.2 km. At 6.5 km, it reaches the location “STANI” (hydration) at an altitude of 1724m and +630m elevation. At 9.2 km, passing through the Megala Litharia, athletes will be able to admire the Gkoura peak to their right and the Krevvati peak of the Tymfi mountain range to their left.

At 11 km (2320m, +1315), the route passes through the Tsouka Rosa pass (Avalos). The first athletes will have the rare opportunity to witness the sunrise and the grandeur of the Aoos Gorge from the highest point of the race. An truly unforgettable experience! The route then descends for 4 kilometers to the position KATSANOS (1665m, +1375), encountering the first steep ascent where within 650m distance, it ascends 250m in elevation.

At 19.5 km, there is the enchanting location SIADI TIS MIGAS (1435m, +1712). Runners will be able to admire the imposing peak of Gamila rising to the southwest, as well as the pine trees growing on the enormous rocks. After 1.5 kilometers through dense forest and passing through the location “KALOGERIKO” (1340m, +1722), the trail becomes intensely downhill. The towering pine trees, from which one can see the entire northern side of Tymfi, offer valuable protection from any weather conditions.

At 23 km, approximately 3 kilometers before the Stomiou Monastery, is the 2nd Refreshment Station and the cut-off (elimination) point with a time limit of 4 hours and 45 minutes from the start. From this station begins perhaps the most demanding ascent of the race, leading to the passage of “NTAVALISTA” (hydration). Within 2.5 kilometers distance, the elevation gain soars by 700m.

Runners, after traversing for 2.5 kilometers under the steep slopes of Ntavalista until the wild goat’s stream, will catch their breath gazing at the plain of Konitsa and the Aoos River crossing it. After another ascent of +250m elevation gain, athletes reach LAKKA TOU TSOUMANI, at the PLATEAU of LAKES (1st Checkpoint) and Rizina Lake with its rich aquatic vegetation. At the beginning of the ascent leading to the famous DRAKOLIMNI (DRAGON LAKE) of Tymfi, there is a hydration station serving athletes at 31 km, but also on the descent at 34 km. At DRAKOLIMNI there will also be the 1st Checkpoint.

With its elliptical shape, it extends to the alpine meadow of Tymfi, captivating the runners. A rare place for our country. At 37 km, the route passes through the ASTRAKA REFUGE (Refreshment Station – Checkpoint).

The route continues towards the enchanting Rombosi Lake (40 km), descending towards Mega Lakkos where, crossing one of the most beautiful and impressive points of Tymfi, we reach the Refreshment Station of Avgerinos (47 km).

For the next approximately 6 km, the route is downhill, without any particular difficulties, passing through the impressive spot “Beloi” (Checkpoint), where the athletes – if desired – can walk an additional 250m to enjoy a natural “balcony” with a unique view, leading us to the village of Vradeto (53 km – Checkpoint), where there is another Refreshment Station, in order to regain strength for the last kilometers of the race. The race continues downhill, passing through the stone Vradeto stairs (scale) for approximately 2 km. There we are at the 54 km mark of the race, where the last continuous ascent begins, towards the area of Loutsa (58 km).

Finally, descending through the Tsepelovo stairs (scale) , the tired but extremely satisfied athletes will finish at the point where they started, at the High School of Tsepelovo.

Refreshment Stations of TeRA

Running especially when that includes long distances, time and effort is inextricably intertwined with energy intake. The importance of energy intake during an ultra marathon, for those who have such great racing experience, seems to be the key for a desired result, which focuses not only on performance but also on pleasure offered by the race and yet avoiding the phenomenon of survival. Basic rationale of the group responsible for the supply of our race is to provide participants with a variety of flavors, satisfying even the most demanding requests. The selection of various food items for the refreshment stations is based on specific guidelines that allow athletes to meet their energy needs. Particular emphasis is given on energy coverage for novice runners, who can participate without dietary protocol, preventing energy loss that could arise from the lack of racing experience. The proposed selection and placement of items provided in the refreshment stationss designed to meet energy needs in accordance with international recommendations and the relevant scientific literature. Each mountain race is unique, yet each and every athlete is unique. The intra-individual differences among athletes are numerous and so are their needs. Thefort to satisfy them, at least at the energy level is an incentive for all of us. The selection of the particular food items for the refreshment stations was based on our personal engagement with sport nutrition and the creation of similar protocols for our athletes. Your views and feedback on this issue were also taken into consideration.
  • *C.E.G.: Cumulative Elevation Gain
  • *Bar: Carbohydrates & protein bars
  • *Salty foods: Biscuits, crisps, peanuts, bread and turkey slice
  • *Soft Drinks: Cola
  • *Fruits: Watermelon or banana etc.
kmC.E.G.LocationStation / CheckpointZAGORI natural mineral waterIsotonic Drink Gold NutritionNomad Honey GelBar NeversecondCakeDried fruitSaltyColaDole BananaPastaWatermellonSandwich with cheese
6,5+600mSTANI
11+1200mAVALOS
23+1600mSTOMIOU MONASTERYElim. Point:
4 hours & 45 minutes
31+2700mPLATEAU OF LAKES
32,5+2900mDRAKOLIMNI (DRAGON LAKE)Checkpoint
34+2900mPLATEAU OF LAKES
37+3100mASTRAKA REFUGECheckpoint
40,2+3350mROMPOZI LAKE
44+3500mKROUNA
47+3760mAVGERINOS
51BELOICheckpoint
53+3800mVRADETOCheckpoint
58+4290mTSEPELOVO STEPS (SCALE)

The races route in GPX file format

Cutoff Time - Race Withdrawal

Athletes who:

  • Withdraw from the race for personal reasons, or
  • Arrive at the checkpoint of Moni Stomiou after the cutoff time,

must wait until the last athlete (along with the “sweeper”) passes through. Then, a group of athletes will be formed to descend approximately 5-6km to a point accessible by a vehicle.

If an athlete decides not to wait for the others at the checkpoint and leaves with their own transportation, they must inform the Station Manager. In this case, the Organization disclaims any responsibility, as the athlete assumes full responsibility for their departure from the checkpoint.

For the checkpoint at Papigo, although there is no cutoff time, the same rules apply. Athletes who decide that they do not wish or are unable to continue the race can inform the Station Manager that they wish to return with an Organization vehicle (assuming the related responsibility). They will then follow a hiking route of approximately 2 hours to Mikro Papigo, where an Organization vehicle will pick them up.

MANDATORY & RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Mandatory equipment for TeRA race:
Athletes must carry a water bottle (with a capacity of at least 500ml) and/or a cup for drinks at the aid stations (water, refreshments, etc.).
The organization does not provide cups at the aid stations. Each athlete is responsible for choosing their own container (cup, flask, bottle, etc.) to receive the offered liquid quantities. The amounts of fluids will be provided using practical dosimeters by the station staff. For the sake of efficiency, athletes are advised to use containers with wide openings for quick refilling. Athletes are responsible for carrying one or two containers to receive water and isotonic separately.
Carrying hydration packs or waist packs during the race is allowed. Discarding the packs along the route at central aid stations is the athlete’s responsibility.
Additional mandatory equipment for the TeRA race during the event includes:
  • Aluminum blanket
  • Headlamp and batteries
  • Mini first aid kit
  • Mobile phone
  • Extra food (in solid or liquid form)

 

Each athlete has the right to carry the necessary equipment they deem essential to cope with the challenges of the 20-hour race. The organization reserves the right to randomly check the completeness of the equipment both at the start and during the race.

The organization recommends a minimum survival equipment package, known as the “Survival Equipment“, which is absolutely necessary for an athlete competing for 20 consecutive hours. 

The suggested “Survival Equipment” package consists of:

  • Waterproof jacket (according to weather conditions)
  • First aid kit
 

In addition to the above equipment, each athlete may add vital medications they may need and other practical items such as:

  •  Gaiters
  • Drinking cup
  • Trekking poles
  • Sun hat
  • Gloves
  • Electrolyte supplements, etc.
Optional equipment
The organization suggests that athletes carry a small backpack or waist pack with basic supplies, such as:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Wide-mouthed flask or water bottle
  • Solid food of their choice to cover their needs between the aid stations.
 

Again, each athlete is responsible for choosing their container (cup, flask, bottle, etc.) to receive the offered liquid quantities at the aid stations. Athletes are responsible for carrying one or two containers to receive water and isotonic separately.

Carrying hydration packs or waist packs during the race is allowed. Discarding the packs along the route at central aid stations is the athlete’s responsibility.

DROP BAG

Each athlete is entitled to deliver a “drop bag” at Tsepelovo before the start of the race, at the starting/finishing area (High School of Tsepelovo), so that after their finish, they can have access to items they may need (e.g., dry/clean clothes, keys, etc.).

All athletes will be given a special tag indicating their BiB number to place on their drop bag at the finishing area. After the race, athletes will be able to collect their drop bag from the same location (High School of Tsepelovo).

The organization does not provide drop bags to the athletes.

The drop bags at the finishing area will be of the athletes’ choice (preferably made of waterproof material, e.g., nylon bags with drawstrings) to ensure their durability.

Additionally, the organization recommends avoiding unnecessary use of disposable materials. The drop bags can contain anything the athlete deems necessary for support (food, clothing, etc.). Placing any sharp objects (e.g., knives, forks, etc.) inside the drop bags is prohibited to prevent any accidents or damage to the contents of the bags or those of other athletes. Upon reaching the finish line, each athlete will be able to retrieve their drop bag, which will have been returned in the meantime.

The organization is not responsible for any damage to the items inside the drop bags. Personal items left by athletes at the Race Aid Stations (e.g., backpacks, hydration packs, trekking poles, etc.) are not the responsibility of the organization in case of loss. Athletes themselves are responsible for collecting their items after the end of the race.