‘Roads to Rhodes’ Sees Flocks of Runners for 3rd Int’l Marathon

It was a sunny, sporty day on the Greek island of Rhodes last Sunday, when more than 1,500 runners took to the streets in the 3rd International “Roads to Rhodes” Marathon.

Organized by the South Aegean Region, the Dodecanese Athletics Federation (EAS SEGAS) and nonprofit organization Rhodes Marathon, with the support of the municipality and the Rodos Hoteliers Association, the event brought together internationally acclaimed athletes with amateur and professional runners for the marathon, the 5km and 10km runs as well as the 1,000m kiddies race.

South Aegean Region Governor George Hadjimarkos with marathon runners that finished first in the men's category.

South Aegean Region vice governor of tourism Marietta Papavasileiou (right) with the two winners in the age 20-29 category, Voula Kozompoli and Maria Polyzou.

Rhodes Mayor Fotis Chatzidiakos with marathon runners that finished first in the women's category.

Rhodes Marathon winner this year was Vlassis Karavassilis clocking in at 02:56:51 and in the women’s category Ana Maria Fernandes from Brazil with a time of 03:42:29. Rania Rebouli clinched the 10km win with 32:25 and Christos Kallias for the men with a time of 28:49. In the 5km race Giorgos Mino came in first in the men’s category and Zoi Andrikopoulou for the women.

“The International Marathon of Rhodes is an institution of great importance, not only in terms of athletic and cultural significance, but also because it successfully promotes Rhodes and Greece, and sends very positive messages abroad. The success of this year’s third ‘Roads to Rhodes’ marathon coincides with our intensive efforts to project the best image of our country abroad as an uniquely attractive and friendly global destination,” Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura said of the event.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is proud to have lent its support as media sponsors for the “Roads to Rhodes” Marathon.

Photo credit: Nikos Karanikolas