TeRA
A landmark race in the history of Ultra Mountain Running
- 23/07/2022
- 04:30
A few words about TeRA 80km
TeRA is an ultra trail race of 80km and 5.100m of elevation gain. It starts at 04.30 with total time limit 20hrs, including 6 intermediate cut off points.
Participation limit
A maximum of 250 athletes can participate in the race.
Time limit
Intermediate cut off points-time
- Avalos: 2hrs & 15min after your designated start time
- Stomiou Monastery: 4hrs & 45min after your designated start time (exit from the station)
- Megalo Pappigo: 9hrs and 30min after your designated start time (exit from the station)
- Monodendri: 14 hrs after your designated start time (exit from the station)
- Kipi: 16hrs after your designated start time (exit from the station)
- Tsepelovo: 20hrs after your designated start time (exit from the station)
Race description (2023 UPDATE)
Based on the latest weather forecasts, we are likely to experience higher temperatures than usual during the days of Zagori Mountain Running 2023.
Therefore, the TeRA race route is being modified on an emergency basisto ensure the athletes’ health and safety in these specific conditions.
After consultations with our technical and sports advisors, with the primary concern being the athletes’ well-being due to the high temperatures, especially in the lower areas of the route, the course is now altered. The updated distance is 60 km with a total positive elevation gain of 4250 meters (with minor variations). The revised “trace” of the route (GPX file) will be uploaded to our official website shortly, along with a related announcement.
Specifically, from the start of the race until the Astraka refuge (37th km), the TeRA route remains unchanged.
From the Astraka refuge onwards, instead of descending to Papigo as initially planned, the route will continue for the next 10 km, following essentially the same path as the 44 km race. This means passing through Lake Romvozi, Mega Lakkos, and then continuing through Augerinos. At this point, the TeRA and 44 km races will separate again. The new TeRA continues along the ridge of Augerinos and heads towards the village of Vradeto. It will descend through Vradeto’s famous stone steps and then pass through Kapesovo. From Kapesovo, it will follow the same route as originally planned for TeRA 80 km until the finish line.
With this necessary modification, we aim to ensure that the athletes will be moving under conditions with a maximum temperature of 26°C, considering that they will mostly be at high altitudes.
The route is as following: Tsepelovo – Avalos – Siadi Migas – Davalista – Dragon Lake – Astraka Refuge – Mikro Papigo – Megalo Papigo – Vikos Gorge – Monodendri – Vitsa – Dilofo – Kipi – Kapesovo – Tsepelovo.
Refreshment Stations of TeRA 80km
- *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.
Refreshment Stations are all manned stations with at least 2 volunteers who will help and provide supplies to the athletes.
Distance (km) | C.E.G. | Location | Station / Checkpoint | ZAGORI natural mineral water | Isotonic Drink | Nomad Honey Gel | Bar | Cake | Dried fruit | Salty | Cola | Dole Banana | Pasta | Sandwich with cheese |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.5 | +600m | STANI | ||||||||||||
11 | +1200m | AVALOS | ||||||||||||
23 | +1600m | STOMIOU MONASTERY | Elim. Point: 5 hours | |||||||||||
31 | +2700m | PLATEAU OF LAKES | Checkpoint | |||||||||||
32.5 | +2900m | DRAGON LAKE | Checkpoint | |||||||||||
34 | +2900m | PLATEAU OF LAKES | Checkpoint | |||||||||||
37 | +3100m | ASTRAKA REFUGE | Elim. Point: 8 hours & 15 minutes | |||||||||||
40.2 | +3350m | ROMPOZI LAKE | ||||||||||||
44 | +3500m | KROUNA | ||||||||||||
47 | +3760m | AVGERINOS | ||||||||||||
53 | +3800m | VRADETO | ||||||||||||
58 | +4290m | TSEPELOVO STEPS |
The races route in GPX file format
The file is compressed (in zip format) so you have to unzip it first in order to import it.
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 80km 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 will assist athletes by transporting and delivering one “Drop Bag” at Station “Papigo” and at the finish (Tsipélovos Gymnasium).
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.
In the event of an accident or a serious problem that triggers an alert to the rescue teams, the organization will also check the athlete's mandatory equipment. If it is determined that the athlete has put themselves at risk due to inadequate equipment, the penalty will be disqualification from the race and exclusion from the following year's event.
Cases of serious negligence can include:
- Injury from falling in the dark due to lack of a headlamp
- Hypothermia due to inadequate clothing
- Dehydration due to lack of a water container
DROP BAG
Each athlete is entitled to deliver a “drop bag” at Tsepelovo before the start of the race, at the starting/finishing area (Tsepelovo Gymnasium), 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 (Tsepelovo Gymnasium).
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.