Central Evia is preparing to host a landmark event: the 1st Evia Ultra Trail, organized by the Athletic Cultural Association RUNNERS OF EVIA. This new race blends sport, nature, environmental awareness and the cultural identity of the region, turning the island into a destination for adventure and outdoor exploration.
The race will take place on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, with a 05:00 start from the Steni Dirfyos Elementary School, which also serves as the finish. The event is held under the auspices of the Region of Central Greece, the Municipalities of Kymi–Aliveri, Dirfys–Messapia, Eretria, and the Forest Directorate of Evia with the Forest Departments of Chalkida and Kymi–Aliveri. ________________________________________
More than a race – A call to protect nature
Το Evia Ultra Trail δεν είναι μόνο ένας απαιτητικός αγώνας. Είναι και ένα μήνυμα.
The organizers emphasize that we run:
- for the mountains, forests, water and trails
- for the living villages and cultural heritage of the region
- for the protection of the landscape from the uncontrolled installation of 227 wind turbines that threaten the ridgelines of Central Evia
Throughout the preparation period, environmental awareness events and community actions will be held, turning the Evia Ultra Trail into a unifying platform where athletes, local communities and nature lovers come together for a shared purpose.
Purpose of the event
With the Evia Ultra Trail, the organizers aim to:
- promote Central Evia as a destination for outdoor activities
- highlight and maintain traditional mountain trails
- support and showcase local products
- strengthen environmental awareness
- protect the natural heritage, part of which belongs to the Natura 2000 network
The event aspires to become a yearly tradition and a new reference point for mountain running in Greece.
The races of the event
Evia Ultra Trail – 108,5 km
- Distance: 108.5 km
- Elevation gain: +5478 m / -5478 m
- Time limit: 26 hours
- Aid stations: 6
- Altitude range: 0 m to 1339 m
- Pacers: allowed in the section Vitalo 73.6 km → Steni 108.5 km
A highly demanding ultramarathon designed for experienced mountain runners who are prepared for technical and varied terrain.
Evia Relay Trail – 2-runner relay
1st runner
- Distance: 46.5 km
- Elevation: +2199 m / -2410 m
- Time limit: 10 hours
2nd runner
- Distance: 62 km
- Elevation: +3279 m / -3068 m
Total team time limit: 26 hours
An ideal option for runners who want to share the challenge and experience the ultra atmosphere as a team.
Route Description – An epic 108.5 km journey through the heart of Central Evia
The Evia Ultra Trail route is among the most diverse and visually striking ultra courses in Greece. Spanning 108.5 km with +5478 m elevation gain, it traverses fir and chestnut forests, dramatic ridges, alpine plateaus, historic stone-built villages and wild Aegean coastal landscapes, showcasing the raw, authentic beauty of Central Evia.
1. Steni → “Mich. Nikolaou” Mountain Refuge (0–7 km)
The race begins at Steni Elementary School (400 m altitude). The first 1.5 km follow an asphalt road to the football field, where the route turns left into trail S1.
A steady climb continues for 1.5 km through dense woodland of chestnut, plane trees and fir, before joining the “Elatias” trail and reaching the Michalis Nikolaou mountain refuge at 1117 m.
2. Refuge → Rachi Syka – Xirovouni Trail X1 (7–15 km)
A downhill forest road with short technical sections leads to Rachi Syka.
Here the path merges with the X1 trail of Xirovouni, a mixed terrain route offering rolling ascents and descents with views toward the iconic rock-climbing slopes.
Two natural springs provide fresh drinking water:
- Templa Spring (10 km)
- Konisma Spring (13 km)
A steep +200 m ascent over 1 km ends at the first aid station (15 km – 1138 m).
3. Rachi Syka → Setta Lake → Skoteini (15–23 km)
The route progresses toward the foothills of Skoteini, passing Setta Lake and its natural sinkhole at 990 m.
A challenging +500 m ascent then climbs to the southern summit of Skoteini at 1362 m, offering sweeping views over Xirovouni, Metochi and the Aegean Sea.
4. Skoteini → Vromonera (23–28 km)
A 5 km descent through dense fir forest leads to the dramatic alpine plateau of Vromonera.
An area defined by impressive dolines (natural sinkholes) and often referred to as the “Evia Alps.”
Water and a checkpoint are located here.
5. Vromonera → Andronianoi (28–38 km)
The next 10 km combine dirt paths and forest trails through Militsa, one of Evia’s most enchanting fir forests.
A steep 4 km descent follows, dropping 600 m in elevation via a traditional stone-paved path into Andronianoi.
The village is known for its 18th–19th century stone houses crafted by master builders from Epirus.
6. Andronianoi → Santa Mill → Pyrgos → Kymi (38–46.5 km – Relay change)
The route continues to the historic Santa Mill, where two rivers converge to form the Melanas River.
After crossing a stone arch bridge, runners head to Pyrgos, home to the Chrysanthopoulos Mansion and the Folklore Museum Annex.
At 46.5 km lies Kymi, the location of the central aid station and exchange point for relay runners.
7. Kymi → Ortari → Kryfi Panagia (46.5–60 km)
A demanding 5 km climb leads to Ortari, the highest sea-to-summit cliff in Europe.
The trail then passes the small chapel of Agios Panteleimonas and continues toward Kryfi Panagia, a chapel carved into the cliffs with breathtaking views toward Skyros and Skyropoula.
Runners must collect a checkpoint number here to present at the finish.
8. Kryfi Panagia → Tsilaros → Thapsa (60–70 km)
The descent to Tsilaros beach is steep, technical and continuous (6 km, approx –500 m).
From there, the trail loops around the Thapsa wetland, a vibrant natural habitat with turtles, frogs and birds.
Climbing sections with traverses follow, overlooking the dramatic cliffs of Mount Itamos and the blue waters of Thapsa beach, one of Evia’s most remote and striking shorelines.
9. Thapsa → Vitalo (70–74 km – Pacers)
A mainly uphill 10 km dirt road leads to Vitalo village.
There is the designated point where pacers are allowed to join runners until the finish.
10. Vitalo → Vromonera → Skoteini (74–90 km)
The route re-enters dense forest and climbs again toward Vromonera.
This region has the highest cave density in Greece, with over 200 known cave entrances across the Kotylaia and Skoteini mountains.
The segment concludes with a second ascent to Skoteini.
11. Skoteini → Setta → Xirovouni → Steni (90–108.5 km) → Σέττα 2 → Ξηροβούνι → Στενή (90–108,5 km)
A technical descent reaches the Setta 2 aid station at 92 km.
The terrain shifts between rocky alpine paths and dirt tracks before merging with the S3 trail.
The trail is a steep 3.5 km descent requiring attention.
The final 1.9 km pass through the village of Steni, leading to the finish at the Elementary School, completing a journey of 107–108.5 km filled with intensity, challenge and unforgettable scenery.
How to register
Registrations are made exclusively through the official event website.
Registration & official announcement:
There you will find:
- full registration form
- participation terms
- early-bird details
- pacer guidelines
- maps and GPX files
Why participate in the Evia Ultra Trail 2026
The Evia Ultra Trail 2026 is not simply a race, it is an invitation to explore one of Greece’s most untouched and dramatic landscapes. With a route that blends alpine peaks, dense forests, historic villages and wild Aegean shores, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience the raw soul of Central Evia.
Participants will carry memories of panoramic mountain views, deep forest trails, stone-built villages and remote beaches, a journey that few travelers ever witness in a single day.
