TeRA

A landmark race in the history of Ultra Mountain Running

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.

Elevation Profile

iTRA & UTMB

4 iTRA POINTS

RACE CATEGORY

Basic details

Participation limit

A maximum of 250 athletes can participate in the race.

Time limit
20 hours since the race start
Intermediate cut off points-time
  1. Avalos: 2hrs & 15min after your designated start time
  2. Stomiou Monastery: 4hrs & 45min after your designated start time (exit from the station)
  3. Megalo Pappigo: 9hrs and 30min after your designated start time (exit from the station)
  4. Monodendri: 14 hrs after your designated start time (exit from the station)
  5. Kipi: 16hrs after your designated start time (exit from the station)
  6. 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.

The race starts from the High School of Tsepelovo. After passing through the village for 1km, it enters into a dirt road for 3km and after that, on the 4,2km it enters into a trail. After 6.5km the participants will reach the 1st Refreshment Station, called “STANI” (altitude 1724m, elevation gain +630). On the 9.2km the athletes will be able to see the peak “GOURA” on their right and the Tymfi peak called “KREVATI” on their left. The 1st Support Station is found on the 11km (2.320m +1315m elevation gain), at the location of “TSOUKA ROSSA” (AVALOS). The first athletes to reach there will have the rare opportunity to witness the sun rising from the top of the Tymfi Mountain complex, as well as the grandeur of the Aoos gorge down below. The race continues downhill for about 4km until it reaches the location “KATSANOS” (1665m, elevation gain+1375m). From there, the athletes come across with the first steep hill. In less than 650m there is an increase of 250m elevation gain.
On the 19.5km the athletes, find themselves at the magnificent location “SIADI MIGAS” (1435m +1712m elevation gain). Taking a breath they can admire the “GAMILA” peak in the southwest among the pine trees that grow on top of huge solid rocks. After 1.5km, the trail turns into a steep downhill and passes through the dense forest, a shelter as well from weather conditions, until it reaches the location “KALOGERIKO” (1340, +1722m elevation gain). On the 23km, about 3km before the Stomiou Monastery, we reach the 1st cut off point (cut off time 5hrs), where the athletes find the 2nd Refreshment Station. From there, the runners will face probably the most demanding part of the race. The hard uphill leads to the passing of “DAVALISTA” (water supplies station). Within 2.5km of almost vertical uphill, the elevation gain is rocketing up to +700m. The athletes continue traversing for about 2.5km below “DAVALISTA” in a gorgeous landscape. Approximately 250m of elevation gain are added and the runners reach the location “TSOUMANI LAKKA” at the “PLATEAU of LAKES” (1st Checkpoint) and the “RIZINA LAKE”, with lush vegetation. At the beginning of the path that leads to “DRAKOLIMNI” there is another Water Station (the 2nd Checkpoint), helping the athletes on both directions: going uphill on the 31km and downhill on the 34km. “Drakolimni” (Dragon Lake) is a rather uncommon morphological phenomenon for our country, with its elliptical shape appearing in the alpine landscape of Tymfi. The beauty captures the runners, featuring as one of the best highlights of the race. On the 37km, the route passes by the “ASTRAKA REFUGE” (3rd Refreshment Station), and begins descending, leading to the Villages Mikro and Megalo Papigo (44km).
There, we find the 4th Main Support Station, where the athletes can pick up their DROP BAG (provided they had previously handed in their bags to the Admin desk upon picking their BIB numbers). Megalo Papigo represents the 2nd cut off point (cut off time 9hrs and 30min). Leaving Megalo Papigo behind, the trail enters into a downhill route for about 4km reaching the springs of Voidomatis river in the Vikos Gorge. The athletes can cool off in its clear waters (certified as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe). On the 54.5km the 5th Refreshment Station is found at the location “KLIMA” and the trail continues in a steep and curvy uphill route (1.5km and +300 elevation gain) till Monodendri steps (Water Supplies Station). The village Monodendri represents the 3rd cut off point (cut off time 14hrs and 30min after your designated time). The athletes will also find there the 6th Support Station. Right after, they will find the villages Vitsa (4th Checkpoint) and Dilofo (5th Checkpoint), the stone bridges “KAPETAN ARKOUDA” and “KALOGERIKO”. We are actually on the 70km of the race, reaching the village Kipi, where the 9th Support Station is found and the 4th cut off point (cut off time 16hs and 30min). The next Refreshment Station and Checkpoint follow right after in the village Kapesovo. The route continues to the location “Loutsa” on the 78km passing through the Tsepelovo steps (stone step-path) leading to the finishing line, which is exactly the starting point (Tsepelovo High School) of the race, tired but happy and thrilled for having achieved your goal!

Refreshment Stations of TeRA 80km

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.
Distance (km)C.E.G.LocationStation / CheckpointZAGORI natural mineral waterIsotonic DrinkNomad Honey GelBarCakeDried fruitSaltyColaDole BananaPastaSandwich with cheese
6.5+600mSTANI
11+1200mAVALOS
23+1600mSTOMIOU MONASTERYElim. Point:
5 hours
31+2700mPLATEAU OF LAKESCheckpoint
32.5+2900mDRAGON LAKECheckpoint
34+2900mPLATEAU OF LAKESCheckpoint
37+3100mASTRAKA REFUGEElim. Point:
8 hours & 15 minutes
40.2+3350mROMPOZI LAKE
44+3500mKROUNA
47+3760mAVGERINOS
53+3800mVRADETO
58+4290mTSEPELOVO STEPS

The races route in GPX file format

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.

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.