Rhodes Gearing Up for 5th Int’l Marathon Next Month

Photo Source: https://rhodesmarathon.gr

The Dodecanese island of Rhodes is getting ready to welcome thousands of runners to the 5th International “Roads to Rhodes” Marathon set for April 29.

The mega sporting event, which will also offer 10km, 5km and 1,000m kiddies runs, aims to encourage locals’ participation in sport, enhance the tourism experience and inspire voluntarism and social responsibility.

Jointly organized by the South Aegean Region and the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) EAS Dodecanese branch, with the support of the Rhodes Municipality and the Rhodes Hoteliers Association, and under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the annual event aims to spur tourism to the island through the incentive of sport.

Speaking at a press conference last week, South Aegean Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Marietta Papavasiliou said: “The Rhodes Marathon has entered ‘adulthood’, evolving into an institution and classified among the country’s most important sporting events, with the approval of SEGAS, AIMS  and the IAAF ensuring its validity and international recognition.”

Marietta Papavasiliou

Papavasiliou, who also heads the “Roads to Rhodes” Marathon organizing committee added that the event aims to involve all Rhodes residents as well as promote the island internationally as an all-year-round tourism destination. In this direction, she said, tour operators will be participating this year offering package deals designed for the particular sporting event.

“TUI Belgium has compiled complete vacation packages including participation in the Rhodes marathon, being sold through its website. While, LTUR will in the next few days through its network of tourist offices and the Internet sell package holidays combined with the Rhodes marathon,” Papavasiliou said.

Organizers added that 60 percent of all registrations made so far are from runners living abroad in 25 countries including the US, Germany and France.

Photo Source: https://rhodesmarathon.gr

To find out more about discounts, offers, transportation and accommodations or to register for the April 29 ‘Roads to Rhodes Marathon’ call +30 22410 30145 or visit the event web site at https://rhodesmarathon.gr/en/. 

Greek coastal ferry operator Blue Star Ferries is the official sea transport sponsor of the International ‘Roads to Rhodes’ Marathon offering discounts to participants.