After a successful first run on December 21, 2025, where runners of all ages and levels from across Crete took part, the 2nd “Parkrun Heraklion” returns on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the iconic Venetian Walls.

This is a new sporting initiative by the Municipality of Heraklion, part of the Cultural Development Program Agreement (ΠΣΠΑ), aiming to make the city’s historical walls a living part of everyday urban life.

Parkruns are a global concept of open, free, inclusive running events that started in the UK in 2004 and now take place in cities around the world.

Parkrun Heraklion offers a 5 km route, open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. The run will take place monthly, transforming the Venetian Walls into a meeting point where fitness, fun, and history come together.

Martinengo StadiumThe long-term vision? To make Heraklion the first city in Greece to join the global Parkrun network, fully meeting the standards while making the most of one of Crete’s most impressive landmarks.

Technical Details – 2nd Parkrun Heraklion

📍 Location: Venetian Walls
🏁 Start/Finish: Jesus Gate
📅 Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
⏰ Start Time: 09:00
– If participant numbers are high, a second wave may start at 10:00.
🚶 Arrival Time: At least 1 hour before your designated start.
🏃 Distance: 5 km
⏳ Max duration: 1 hour
👥 Participant cap: There will be a limit on registrations for safety reasons, so sign up early!

Route Overview

Start at Jesus Gate, pass Martinengo Stadium (Ergotelis), continue beneath the Kazantzakis monument, turn towards Plastira Avenue, cross the Kommeno Benteni, loop through Eucalyptus Park, reverse course back to Kommeno Benteni, ascend the Venetian Wall towards Bethlehem Gate, then Pantokrator Gate, and turn around at St. Andrew’s Bastion (by the coastal road). The finish line is again at Jesus Gate.

Registration Info

✅ Eligibility: Ages 12+ (under 18s need written parental consent)
🌐 Register online: www.park–run.gr
📲 You’ll receive SMS confirmation after registration.
❗ If you can’t attend, please cancel by the Friday before the event.

Timing & Race Kit 

⏱ Timing chips will be handed out on race day from 07:45–08:30
⚠️ Runners who don’t collect their chip on time will lose their spot, which will be given to someone on the waitlist.
Live race results will be available immediately after you finish.

Safety & Services

🩺 Medical Coverage: Provided by volunteer doctors, the Red Cross, Samaritans, and EPIDRASIS volunteers.
🚻 Toilets: Chemical toilets available on-site.
🎒 Bag Storage: Supervised drop-off near the start/finish — but don’t leave valuables.
🅿️ Parking: Best free option: Municipal open-air lot at Oasis (in the moat). Additional spots along Plastira Avenue.
🚧 The Venetian Wall will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists from 08:45 onward, with access only from Jesus Gate (Vigla area).

Important Notes

☔ The race will go ahead in case of rain. In case of extreme weather, it will be postponed, and your registration will still be valid for the new date.
📢 Organisers reserve the right to change event details if needed, for safety reasons.

The Parkrun Heraklion series is funded by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Cultural Development Program Agreement (ΠΣΠΑ) for the Venetian Walls.