Now in its fifth edition, the Navarino Challenge has already earned its status as one of the leading multisports events in Greece, attracting significant numbers of athletes and sports fans to Costa Navarino, every year. This year’s event, to be held on the weekend of 13 to 15 October at the famous luxury resort in Messinia will comprise 17 activities, promoting the Olympic spirit and ideal, as well as ‘fair play’ values through the participation of role model athletes.

On the morning of Saturday 14 October participants will join a non-competitive open water swimming race at the Bay of Navarino.

Starting from the picturesque port of Pylos, participants will cover a 1.6 km swimming route, designed by the federal technical coach of swimming, Nikos Gemelos. Then Kids’ Athletics will take place at the Pylos town square, joined by the event ambassador Periklis Iakovakis, Olympic and world champion at 400m hurdles. Kids’ Athletics has been developed and set in place by a special panel of scientists from IAAF International Association of Athletics Federation and is organised in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

The following morning, on Sunday 15 October participants will join the half-marathon (21.1km), 10 km, and 5km routes, while the 1km running route for children will also take place.

The race will be timed for all runners.

Apart from the competitive part of the challenge, a whole series of events are on offer for those who will stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, ranging from taekwondo to golf and tennis cross training.

Navarino Challenge 2017 will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the coorganisation of Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and the support of the municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.