With record participation expected to exceed 400 runners, the 11th Nikiforeios Race will take place next weekend, April 4 and 5, 2026. Over the years, the event has firmly established itself as a point of reference for the running community and for the wider sporting life of Rethymno, Crete, and the whole country.

The 11th Nikiforeios Race introduces three key innovations compared to previous editions: it will now span two days, it is enriched with stronger nature-oriented elements, and the village of Kalonyktis will serve as both the starting and finishing point for the main race and the cycling ride.

The event is organised by the Department of Sports of the Municipality of Rethymno and the Rethymno Health Runners Association, with the support of the Region of Crete and the Regional Unit of Rethymno, in collaboration with the Cultural Associations of the Nikiforos Fokas Municipal Unit and the Hellenic Mountaineering Club of Rethymno.

Programme of Events

Saturday, April 4, 2026
17:00: 10,000m road race, starting from Atsipopoulo

Sunday, April 5, 2026
09:15: 23,000m cycling ride, starting from Kalonyktis
09:30: 23,000m road race, starting from Kalonyktis
10:00: 5,500m road race, starting from Agios Konstantinos
10:00: 2,000m children’s race, starting from Paleolimnos

Those interested in taking part in any of the events of the 11th Nikiforeios Race can submit their applications via the official websites of the Municipality of Rethymno (www.rethymno.gr), the Rethymno Health Runners Association (www.sfyr.gr), and through the link www.athletin.gr/events/17

There is also the option to register on Saturday from 12:00 to 16:00 at the offices of the Department of Sports at the indoor hall “Melina Merkouri”, as well as one hour before the start of each race at the starting point, provided that there are still available places.