13th KorIssos Running Race on Sand a success
CORFU. There were two distances: 1,200 metres for primary school pupils, and 7km for participants aged 13 and above, divided into age categories for men and women.
(KorIssos) On Saturday, September 6, Issos came alive with energy, joy, and community spirit as athletes, families, and supporters gathered for the 13th KorIssos Sand Road Race. The event, held along the golden sands and unique landscape of Issos, attracted a big crowd, with many visitors not only enjoying the race but also discovering the natural beauty of the area and lending their voices to its protection.
The atmosphere was one of excitement and togetherness. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and two days of careful preparation, everything was ready for the runners: smooth registration, strong organisational support, and all the necessary safety measures. The Hellenic Rescue Team once again stood by the event—supporting it for the 13th consecutive year—while the South Medical Unit ensured everyone’s wellbeing with an ambulance team on site. Both were warmly thanked and honoured during the day. Special appreciation also went to Herbal Life and their representative, Ms. Kaloudi Tsiriggaki, for their support of the athletes and their ongoing commitment to the race.
Welcoming participants, Nikos Perros, President of Korissos Environmental, Cultural, and Sports Association, highlighted the deeper purpose behind the event:
“With every step taken here today, we shine a light on the value of the Issos, Halikounas, the lake and Laoudia ecosystem. Protecting this place—its wildlife, its landscapes, and its future—from careless development is a responsibility we all share. Your presence here today gives strength to that mission.”
He continued: "…There is a need and demand for a management body for the island’s ecosystems that will set developments in motion in a positive direction. It should become the goal of the broader mass movement to create a MARINE PARK, which, although announced for the Ionian Islands, unfortunately does not yet include Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia islands. The turtles, seals, otters, flamingos, and dozens of other species of fauna, along with rare flora, demand it. The salt marshes, Issos with its lake and Halikounas, Halikiopoulou, Antinioti, Erimitis, and other smaller sites are a source of life for the wider region. Meanwhile, with fast-track licensing—even in Natura-protected areas—these ecosystems risk becoming objects of investment, sacrificed in the name of renewable energy sources."
The race itself featured two distances: a 1,200-metre run for primary school pupils and a 7-kilometre race for participants aged 13 and over, divided into men’s and women’s categories. Every participant went home a winner, receiving commemorative medals, t-shirts, mugs, and keychains with designs celebrating Issos and its environment. Thanks to the generosity of Stamatis Ginis, Vice President of Korissos, pupil award winners were also gifted special booklets about Corfu’s butterflies and dragonflies.
A heartfelt moment came when the community honoured local businessman and devoted friend of Issos, Haris Avthinos, for his 13 years of support and love for both the event and the area.
At the close of the event, all attendees were treated to a generous and well-prepared buffet, offered by the management of Apollon Palace.
It should be noted that many organisations supported the event: the Regional Committee of SEGAS Corfu, SEVAS Corfu “Victor,” the Corfu Gymnastics Club, the Corfu branch of ESYN, the Parents and Friends of Diaplus Association (rehabilitation programme of the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Corfu), EKAOK Corfu “Laodamas,” the Gymnasts of Corfu, and the Association of Hellenic Olympians, which once again stood behind this event. The Ionian Islands Regional Authority and the Municipality of South Corfu—represented by Deputy Mayor Alexandros Gasteratos—participated as co-organisers. Businesses were also honoured for their contributions to the event’s success, including Sendido Apollon Palace, Olivar Suites, Rizos Resorts, Drops, and Kava Retsis.
The organising committee extended special thanks to Nikos Kavvadias for his invaluable support along the difficult route at Issos, as well as to the Forest Service for their excellent cooperation with the association.
A touching moment came when friends of the recently lost young man, Spyros K., ran wearing shirts bearing his name and photograph, dedicating the race to his memory.
Photos: KorIssos
