Skyros Island hosts half-marathon

Skyros, Greece, is hosting a half-marathon on Saturday 13 September. Runners will start in Atsitsa Bay and, winding through the hills, surrounded by spectacular forests and sea views, will end up in Skyros' main square for the medal ceremony. The event has been described by a journalist from Runner's World magazine as 'the best I've experienced outside of London and New York!'.

The first half-marathon was in 1997, and it has since turned into the biggest annual sporting event on the island. For one magical day barriers are broken down - visitors, locals, members of the Skyros Air Force base, mainlanders and schoolchildren all take part in the run and its organisation. At one point Skyros Holidays flew out the organiser of the London Marathon, Alan Storey, to offer the locals the benefit of his experience. Its success eventually ensured its endorsement by the local council which took over its organisation. The Council actively welcomes non-Skyrians joining in the day and would appreciate any help in keeping the event alive.

The running not only enriches the local culture, with one more annual event to treasure, but it also increases local awareness of the need to pursue a healthy lifestyle away from habits marketed by the contemporary culture of quick fixes - to which even relatively remote islands like Skyros are being gradually subjected.

For more information on how to take part, log on to Skyros.com.