On Sunday 1 March 2026 at 09:00, the 3rd “Parkrun Heraklion” will set off from the bastion of Jesus Gate on the Venetian Walls, following two completely successful events in December 2025 and January 2026. Experienced and beginner runners of all ages from across Crete took part in the previous races.

The Run Around the Venetian Walls is a 5-kilometre race with free participation for all, regardless of athletic level, held once a month on the Walls. Through this initiative, organised within the framework of the Cultural Development Programmatic Agreement (PSPA), the Municipal Authority aims to transform the Venetian Walls into a lively and active space for sport and social gathering, open to everyone, regardless of age, physical condition or athletic experience.

In a setting where culture and sport coexist in harmony and strengthen one another, a new institution is being established – a celebration of sport for Heraklion. At the same time, the ambition is for Heraklion to become the first city in Greece to join the international Park Run network, meeting all necessary criteria while making full use of one of its most historic landmarks, the Venetian Walls. 

Route description in detail:
Start from the bastion of Jesus Gate on the Venetian Walls – Martinengo Stadium (Ergotelis) – proceed around the perimeter below the tomb of N. Kazantzakis – right turn towards Plastira Avenue – along Plastira Avenue on the pavement – Kommeno Benteni – sharp left turn towards Eucalyptus Park – route within the Park and turnaround at the level of the Nursery – return and exit towards Kommeno Benteni – along Plastira Avenue on the pavement and right turn towards the Venetian Wall – ascent and right towards Bethlehem Gate – Pantokrator Gate – turnaround at Saint Andrew Bastion (at the level of the coastal avenue) – Pantokrator Gate – Bethlehem Gate – proceed around the perimeter below the monument of N. Kazantzakis – Martinengo Stadium (Ergotelis) – Jesus Gate, finish.

The Municipality of Heraklion invites young and old alike to take part or to watch the race and enjoy a Sunday stroll along the Venetian Walls.

Those interested can register at https://park-run.gr/ by selecting the “Register” button.

Please note: The route along the Venetian Walls will be closed to pedestrians and bicycles from 08:45 until the end of the race for safety reasons. Access will be allowed ONLY from Jesus Gate and the Vigla area.

Park Run races are an international model of open running events that began in Britain in 2004 and now operate in hundreds of cities worldwide, aiming to deliver a regular, free and open-to-all running event.

The Parkrun Heraklion initiative is carried out, along with a series of other actions, with funding from the Ministry of Culture, within the framework of the Cultural Development Programmatic Agreement (PSPA) for the Venetian Walls.