Day 170 – EU – Greece [Amaliada to Kaiafas]

10/08/20

43.75km

  From Amaliada (Greece) to Kaiafas (Greece)

Europe

A busy day on the road and off the road – with the highlight being a tour of Old Olympia, home of the Ancient Olympic Games

I was looking forward to today’s run for many reasons. Being on the route of a journey travelled some 30 years ago as a family, running inland on country trails, but also the post-run tour of Ancient Olympia that I had been planning for a while.

The road was very pleasant today. I managed to avoid the busy National Road to run on side roads and eventually, past the halfway point in Pyrgos, I joined some trails which took me through rural grounds. One of the joys of running inland is that I can literally eat my way off the trees. Figs, berries, pomegranate, limes… Pressing a lime in my water bottles does wonders for hydration, and so does eating fresh figs for energy.

I ran all the way to Kaiafas, to rest for the day on the shore of its lake. The lake hosts two thermal springs reputed for their healing and therapeutic properties. Not that I need any, but the site is truly beautiful and am sure it won’t hurt to dip my legs in the lake!

As I arrived I was greeted by the host, Giannis. We had a little chat and he immediately offered to drive me to Old Olympia. I had planned to ride a bus. But he was having none of it. So after a quick shower, I was en route to the Ancient site, with a local guide as a driver, how awesome!

I walked all through the ancient site, the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera (from where they light the Olympic Torch by sun reflection nowadays) and went directly to the Stadium. The arched entry is quite impressive and the site of the stadium unique.

Surrounded by mountains on a wide open space. There were no tourists. I had hoped for someone to take a picture of me on the start line (Giannis was waiting for me at the entrance, I was on my own)… Anyhow, I shot a little video of my running (feably) across the length of the stadium, with its splendid marble start line.It was quite incredible to stand there thinking that the Ancient Olympic Games were held right there, every four years, from the 8th to the 4th century BC.PS: today’s run is in 2 parts as I stopped for lunch at km 40 and resumed with 4km to go].Check my daily run GPS data on Garmin or Strava (icons on top right of your screen) – here is the map of today’s run:

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: