The second Koziakas Trail mountain running race concluded with great success, leaving the best impressions according to both athletes and visitors. This race was inspired and organized by local residents who deeply care about their homeland and strive to give it the recognition it deserves.
Dedicated to the protection of the Egyptian vulture (Asproparis)—the emblem of the race—the event is organized in collaboration with the Hellenic Ornithological Society.
This year, athlete participation more than doubled, growing from 230 runners in 2024 to over 600 participants. This was a challenge we proudly met, elevating the event’s standard and positioning Koziakas Trail among the top trail running events in Greece.
Feedback from both athletes and accompanying visitors was overwhelmingly positive, affirming the quality of the organization. The race’s social media reach also broke previous records, drawing unprecedented digital engagement.
The Koziakas Trail is now emerging as an institutional athletic event, contributing not only to the development of local sports, but also to the tourism promotion of the mountainous region of Trikala.
We believe we have successfully brought our vision to life, creating a truly memorable race on the majestic Koziakas mountain, leaving everyone impressed by the natural beauty of the landscape. Our goal is to make the Koziakas Trail the largest athletic event in the region, with growing participation every year. With systematic work, professionalism, and teamwork, we are confident that future editions will bring even greater success.
We sincerely thank all the athletes who honored us with their presence and promise that next year’s edition will be even richer, with new surprises and an enhanced race program.
The organizing committee warmly thanks Nikos Charalampidis, sponsor of the €2,000 prize money awarded to the top male and female runners in the 25 km race.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to all race sponsors who contributed with their products and services to the aid stations and the finish line—essential for the smooth running of the event. e-Trikala, Olympus Dairy, Violanta Biscuits, Matis Dairy & Halva, Kary Nuts, Vakis Loukoumia, Georgiadis Peak Store, Trikalini Zymi, Taverna Papanastasiou, Tsioutsias Pharmacy, Theoni Water, Thessaly Cooperative Bank, Narkissos Café
Athlos Gym, Peperino Kids Store, XPRO SHOP, Arkoudotrypa Restaurant, Vitas Auto Parts, Mountain Inn Lodges, Amerikana Restaurant, Assi Hair Salon, Vlissaris Plumbing, Enteka Taverna, I Efi Grocery, Kalamaras Restaurant, Karagounis Sanitary Goods, Krypti Café, Lagos Café, Balomenos Eggs, and the hotels: Giamandes, Katafygio, Kroupi, Ligeri, Mikri Arkos, Bakou, Oreades, Papapanagiotou, Ta Petrina tis Elatis, and the guesthouses: Theodorou, Brizis Rooms, Fretzato; also Panselinos Restaurant, O Giannis Taverna, Ta Kanavia Taverna, O Lagos Taverna, To Anogi Restaurant, To Enthymion Folk Art, and Elati Pharmacy – Ntela Eleni. Special thanks go to the Koziakas Mountain Refuge and Periklis Mitronasios for their essential assistance in manning the station and overall support on the mountain.
We also thank the Municipality of Pyli, the Regional Unit of Trikala and its Sports Department, and the Meteora–Pyli Geopark for their financial and material support. Additionally, we thank the Forest Services of Trikala and Pertouli for their quick handling of permit procedures, EKAV (Emergency Services), and the Police Departments of Trikala and Pyli for their valuable support in traffic control.
Above all, we are deeply grateful to all volunteers who shared the vision of this race and supported the organization with their presence and effort—especially the local youth, who staffed the stations with motorcycles, cars, and 4×4 vehicles, assisted with the start and finish lines, and ensured smooth operation.
We also thank the volunteer photographers who captured every moment of the event, the mountaineering clubs OPOP and SPORT, and especially SOXT for staffing the mountain refuge station and escorting the last athletes. We warmly thank the Hellenic Rescue Team (EOD Trikala), who played a critical role in safety coordination, with presence at four key points along the route. Heartfelt thanks also to the Elati Women’s Association for supporting the finish line buffet and their ongoing contribution to the race with their homemade products. Finally, we thank the Trikala Runners’ Club, the SAEK Trikala Mountain Guides, and the Gomfoi Trail team for their indispensable help during preparation and on race day.
Without all of you, this race could not have been such a success.
On behalf of the Association of Mountain Professionals of Trikala “Xenios Zeus” and the Koziakas Trail Organizing Committee
