Russian runner Dmitrii Usharov from Siberia bested a field of competitors from 20 countries to take win the 9th annual Psiloritis Race on Crete.
A throng of runners took to the 35-kilometer course up to the summit (2,456 meters) of Crete’s tallest peak, Psilopritis Mountain (Mt. Ida) a few days ago, in an event modeled after ancient tradition. International runners were sent the challenge to “Run in the footsteps of Zeus” this year.
The race has its origin in ancient Minoan culture and tradition and combines the essence of those primitive ideals with current ecological and touristic ideas to represent modern touristic value of Crete. The event, sanctioned by the ITRA - International Trail Running Association, saw runners face difficult weather conditions which added to the already arduous challenge. Dmitrii Usharov, who hails from a region of Russian known for its extreme climactic conditions, certainly gained some advantage over other competitors, to take home this year’s prize.
Usharov raced against runners from Russia, Slovenia, France, Great Britain, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, America, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Albania, Ireland, Poland, Italy, Uae, Norway, Greece, Iran, and Canada. Andreas Andrulidakis, President of the Organizing committee for the race, had this to add about this year’s event:
“The event was a weekend full of the spirit of Greece, and of Crete. Runners and guests got to experience the unique environment, the culture, and to compete in an historic event against the terrain and despite the strong winds and cold. Every contestant became an ambassador for sport, and for their home countries.”
Andrulidakis went on to congratulate all the competitors, the co-organizers and sponsors, and to challenge all to raise the bar for next year’s competition.
Psiloritis, which is a natural geopark among the UNESCO world heritage sites, is often referred to as “the stone giant,” a pillar the ancients believed supported the sky. The peak dominates the island visually and spiritually. Dotted with ancient villages, fascinating caves, gorges, plateaus and even alpine areas, the mountain is as unique as Crete itself.
The 9th International Psiloritis Race was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism was co-organized by the Region of Crete and the Municipalities of Rethymno, Anogia, Amari, as well as being supported by sporting, cultural and voluntary groups from across the island.
Tags: Psiloritis Race
