ATHENS – The count down has begun for the historic race The Authentic Marathon Swim, which revives at Artemision 2,500 years later. Following the example of Skylias and Hydna, the first ever-recorded long-distance swimmers, according to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the authentic marathon swimming route, on September 4-6.

The noteworthy event will be honored by the presence of Greek Olympic silver medalist, World Champion in open water swimming, and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Spyros Gianniotis. Prominent personalities of international swimming will also take part at The Authentic Swimming Marathon. Among them, the Hungarian ultra-marathon swimmer, Oceans Seven title holder and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Attila Manyoki, European champion George Arniakos, Greek champions Dimitris Negris, Andreas Georgakopoulos, Stellina Aplanti, Ilektra Lebl, the swimming champion George Skotadis who competes wearing the colors of the Dutch national team, English Channel marathon swimmer Giannis Kotsiopoulos, and swimming champion Nikolaos Simantiras.

Olympic silver medalist in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis said of the event, “Marathon swimming is once again at the forefront with a historic race. Through our presence we honor history by reviving the legendary achievements of Skylias and Hydna at the straits of Artemision. I call on all swimmers, regardless of their level and ability, to embrace this effort and experience the legend, while safely enjoying the blue-green waters of Northern Evia.”

Hungarian ultra-marathon swimmer Attila Manyoki said of his participation in the race, “Open water is my passion. I must fight against the nature and also my inner fears and limits. The sea is open for everybody. The only thing that is important is how much you want it. It’s an ancient sport with 2,500 years of history that revives in this event. I will jump in the sea and follow its tradition and great history.”

On Saturday, September 5, the action will begin with the 3km and 1.5km open water swimming races. On Sunday, September 6, the event will culminate with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route, while at the same time the 800m children’s race will be taking place. All swimming routes will be executed with absolute safety at Pefki, Evia, of the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos. The Authentic Marathon Swim will be held with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations.

Registration for the event is underway and interested parties can participate by completing the available form through the following link: https://www.myrace.gr/en/event/2407/registrations.html.

The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until July 31.

Accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos

The Authentic Swimming Marathon collaborates with hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is supported with special offers and prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Aenaon Studios, Aktaion Hotel, Alex Spa Hotel, Arethousa Hotel, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Irene Studios, Island, Kochili Apartments, Lito Hotel, and Papadioti Apartments.

More information about accommodation packages and special offers for the participants is available online: https://www.authenticmarathonswim.com/accommodation/.

The Authentic Marathon Swim remains in contact with the state bodies. With its main priority on ensuring public health, organizers work for the event’s smooth and safe operation.

The event will be co-organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos and Active Media Group.

The Authentic Marathon Swim has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The event has joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

Enjoy the event’s promo video through the following link: https://youtu.be/UDz2JXellyo.

Hashtag: #authenticmarathonswim

Website: www.authenticmarathonswim.com 

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxMgl-j5wgosL10lyRay5Q.