TeRA 80km
A landmark race in the history of Ultra Mountain Running
- 22/07/2023
- 04:30
A few words about TeRA 80km
Elevation Profile
iTRA & UTMB
4 iTRA POINTS
RACE CATEGORY
Basic details
Participation limit
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
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 drop bags shortly before the start of the race (Tsepelovo High School). 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. | 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 | ||||||||||||
| 44 | +3150m | MIKRO PAPIGO | Elim. Point: 9.5 hours | |||||||||||
| 48 | +3170m | VOIDOMATIS SPRINGS | ||||||||||||
| 55 | +3400m | KLIMA | ||||||||||||
| 58 | +3750m | MONODENDRI STEPS | ||||||||||||
| 60 | +4000m | MONODENDRI | Elim. Point: 14.5 hours | |||||||||||
| 62 | +4060m | VITSA | Checkpoint | |||||||||||
| 66 | +4180m | DILOFO | Checkpoint | |||||||||||
| 70 | +4250m | KIPI | Elim. Point: 16.5 hours | |||||||||||
| 74 | +4740m | KAPESOVO | ||||||||||||
| 78 | +5230m | TSEPELOVO STEPS |
The races route in GPX file format
MANDATORY & RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Mandatory TeRA 80km equipment
Athletes must bring a water bottle (with a capacity of at least 500ml) and/or a mug/cup for beverages at the aid stations (water, soft drinks, etc.) mandatorily.
The organization does not provide hydration cups at the aid stations. Each athlete is responsible for choosing their own container (cup, flask, bladder, bottle, etc.) to bring in order to receive the appropriate fluid quantities. The fluid quantities will be dispensed with a practical measuring device by the aid station staff. For the sake of efficiency, athletes should have containers with a wide mouth for quick refills. Athletes are responsible for carrying one or two containers separately for water and isotonic drinks.
The transport of hydration backpacks or any type of backpack or waist pack is permitted. Discarding a backpack along the route at the central station points is the athlete’s responsibility.
Especially for the TeRA 80km, all athletes must carry this mandatory equipment during the race.
- Aluminum foil blanket
- Headlamp & batteries
- Mini first aid kit
- Mobile phone
- Extra food (in solid or liquid form)
Each athlete has the right to carry the equipment they consider necessary to cope with the challenges of the race. The organization reserves the right to conduct random checks to ensure the completeness of the equipment both at the start and during the race.
The organization will assist athletes by transporting and delivering a Drop Bag at the “Megalo Papigo” Aid Station and at the finish line (Tsipelovo Gymnasium).
The organization recommends a minimum set of equipment called “Survival Equipment” which is absolutely necessary for an athlete competing for 20 consecutive hours.
The suggested “Survival Equipment” package consists of the following:
- Waterproof jacket (according to weather conditions)
- First aid kit
In addition to the above equipment, each athlete can add essential medications they may need and other practical items such as:
- Gaiters
- Hydration cup
- Hiking poles
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Electrolyte tablets, etc.
Recommented/Optional equipment
We recommend that athletes carry a small backpack or waist pack with some essential items, such as:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Bladder or water bottle with a wide mouth
- Solid food of their choice to meet their needs between the stations.
Each athlete is responsible for choosing the container (cup, flask, bladder, bottle, etc.) they must bring in order to receive the appropriate fluid quantities. The fluid quantities will be dispensed with a practical measuring device by the aid station staff.
For the sake of efficiency, athletes should have containers with a wide mouth for quick refills. Athletes are responsible for carrying one or two containers separately for water and isotonic drinks.
The transport of hydration backpacks or any type of backpack or waist pack is permitted. Discarding a backpack along the route at the central station points is the athlete’s responsibility.
Examples of serious negligence may include:
- Injury from a fall in the dark due to the lack of a headlamp.
- Hypothermia caused by the absence of appropriate clothing.
- Dehydration due to the absence of a hydration system.
DROP BAGS
Each participant in the TeRA 80km race is entitled to submit 2 drop bags before the start of the race at the start/finish area (Tsepelovo High School).
- The first drop bag is intended for use at the “Megalo Papigo” Aid Station. The Organizing Committee will transport these bags from the starting point to the “Megalo Papigo” Aid Station and back to the finish line after the athletes pass through. Upon reaching the finish line, each athlete will be able to retrieve their drop bag, which will have been returned in the meantime.
Participants of the TeRA 80km race can only leave their drop bags at the Megalo Papigo Aid Station under the responsibility of the Organizing Committee. If they choose to leave them at any other point, it will be at their own risk. - The second drop bag will be kept for safekeeping at the Tsepelovo High School, so that athletes can have access to items they may need (e.g., dry/clean clothes, keys, etc.) after their race.
All athletes will be provided with a special tag displaying their BiB number, which they should attach to their finish line drop bag.
The Organizing Committee does not provide drop bags to athletes.
The drop bags at the finish line will be of the athletes’ own choice, preferably made of waterproof material, to ensure durability.
Additionally, the Organizing Committee advises against unnecessary consumption of single-use items. The drop bags should contain whatever the athlete deems necessary for support (food, clothing, etc.). It is prohibited to place any sharp objects (knives, forks, etc.) inside the drop bags to avoid accidents or damage to the contents of the bags or other athletes’ belongings.
The Organizing Committee is not responsible for any breakage of items contained in the drop bags. Personal items left by athletes at the race’s Aid Stations (such as backpacks, hydration systems, trekking poles, etc.) are not the responsibility of the Organizing Committee in case of loss. Athletes themselves are responsible for collecting their belongings after the race.
