Day 435 – EU – Greece [Platinitis to Alexandroupoli]

13/06/21

41.5km

  From Platanitis (Greece) to Alexandroupoli (Greece)

Europe

A remarkably beautiful day to reach a new milestone: 15,000kms!

Off on the trails

I woke up to bright blue skies this morning and I was glad to get good weather for the special day ahead. Reaching 15,000kms today is quite a big milestone. The pandemic has deprived me so far of the joy of running on other continents but Europe. Fortunately I have been able to run across many countries and somehow make my way, bit by bit, across the continent. Nearly there!

Fabulous environment

I set off on the trails of Mount Ismarus, a mountain mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey. I ran past the Temple of Dionysus, the ancient theatre of Maroneia and Ulysses Stream. Such a stunning place to run, all on trails, with a clear view on Samothrace island all along. Olive trees everywhere. I had been a bit apprehensive over the possible encounter with stray dogs, but I found none. There was just this beautiful labrador by the side of the trail, looking lost. He followed me for a kilometer or so and was joyfully reunited with his owner further up the road.

Stuck between the Ismarus mountain and the Aegean sea

I’ve not been very good at shooting videos whilst I run, for the very good reason that I am holding my stroller, which requires both hands to work in rhythm. But wanting to mark the 15,000th kilometer in style I shot a few short segments of my running on trails. The terrain and environment were so nice, I am glad I have a trace of it. These will be published on Instagram and Facebook.

I reached Alexandroupoli early afternoon. A major city of northern Greece, strategically placed on the route linking Greece to Turkey, this is also the last Greek city by the sea I will meet on the world run. I am glad I have a full day tomorrow to visit the place (and maybe a sea swim, but really, it is quite cold!).

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: