ROUTE OF TRUCE 2025

Runners from 25 countries took part in the Route of Truce,

50 kilometers, from Ancient Elis to Ancient Olympia

  • Today more than ever, applying the Truce as an Olympic Value is essential
  • Three-day events in the birthplace of the Olympic Games, highlighting the Truce that leads to peace

In an atmosphere of enthusiasm, fellowship, respect, and emotion, the three-day events of SYMPOLITEIA OLYMPIA (AMKE) in Elis for the “Route of Truce 2025” were successfully completed on Sunday, for the 10th year.

Runners from across Greece, as well as from 24 countries, walked the 50-kilometer Truce Trail from the host city of the ancient Olympic Games, Ancient Elis, to their sacred venue, Ancient Olympia.

The runners set off on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 05:45 a.m. from the entrance of the Old Museum of Ancient Elis. They passed through the villages of Dafni, Keramidia, Dafniotissa, Peristeri, Cheimadio, Sopi, Karatoula, Magoula, Latzoi, Irakleia, Pournari, Pelopio, and Platanos, and finished at the Old Town Hall of Ancient Olympia, where the awards ceremony took place.

Approximately 450 runners took part in the “Route of Truce 2025” from Greece and 24 countries (Albania, Venezuela, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Zambia, India, Spain, Italy, China, Lebanon, Moldova, Bhutan, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey, the Philippines, Chile, and Hong Kong), powerfully conveying the message of Peace as its “messengers.”

The “Route of Truce 2025” took place along the eco-tourism route Elis–Olympia, the “Truce Trail.” It was non-competitive, and runners who completed the 50 km route received uniquely numbered commemorative medals.

This year, the Peace March was led by Alexis Xydis (from the Hellenic Red Cross—Volunteer Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards Corps of the Amaliada Regional Department, honoring through him the volunteer rescuers who have selflessly supported the Route of Truce for years—often completing the route twice to stay close to runners and provide any assistance needed) and Kostas Chatzis (a permanent resident of the Netherlands, who has participated in all ten editions of the Route of Truce, each year completing his own personal “Route of Truce” journey to travel from the Netherlands to Greece in order to take part).

Among those present were: Vice Regional Governor Theodoros Vasilopoulos; representing the Mayor of Elis, Municipal Councilor Konstantinos Koutroubis; Vice Mayor of Ancient Olympia Antonis Chrysanthakopoulos; Vice Mayor of Elis G. Krallis; Presidents of the Local Communities of Elis and Pisa Ch. Gourdoubas and Sofianos Sofianopoulos; representing the Chamber of Elis S. Sampsounis; ultra-distance runner Giannis Kouros; ultra-distance swimmer Spiros Chryssikopoulos; Olympian G. Tzelilis; world champions Maria Christoforidi and Maria Karpathaki; and Balkan champion in the 400 meters Argyro Giannikaki.

In every village along the route, local residents—volunteers of the Route of Truce—once again showed that the spirit of “Xenios Zeus” (sacred hospitality) remains alive in the land that gave birth to the Olympic Games, offering generous local treats to the runners.

All events were organized by Sympoliteia Olympia (AMKE), with co-organizers the Region of Western Greece, the Municipalities of Elis, Pyrgos, and Ancient Olympia, the Supreme Council for Sports of the Armed Forces (ASAED), and the cooperating support body, the International Olympic Truce Center, with the support of the Region of Attica and #BEACTIVE. They were held under the auspices of the Ministries of National Defense, Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Rural Development and Food, and Tourism; the International Military Sports Council (CISM); the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC); the International Olympic Academy (IOA); the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO); the National Olympic Academy of Greece; the Association of Olympic Participants; and the Hellenic Olympians Association. Volunteer support was provided by the Hellenic Red Cross—Volunteer Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards Corps (Amaliada Regional Department), the Hellenic Red Cross (Pyrgos Regional Department), the 1st Scout System of Ilioupoli, E.O.P.Y.D. Vrachneikon, and S.E.DI.P. Western Achaia. Media sponsors included ERT, ERT3, ERA Sport 101.8, ERT Pyrgos, Proto Programma, PSAT, Running News.gr, OVI, and apopseis.gr.

In an effort to keep the history and values of our homeland alive in our memory, we would like to thank our supporters whose contribution greatly helps promote and achieve our mission: Louxi, bottled water Dirfys, AVANCE car rental, Karavias Art Insurance, KYKNOS Hellenic Canning Company S.A.; as well as supplier-supporters VIOLANTA biscuits, GAIAOHOS CAPITAL S.A., AMKE AIGEAS, Xenia – The Hospitality Experience, KTIMA BRINTZIKI, X-TREME STORES, DOLE, Panaigialeios Union of Cooperatives, National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETHEAS), Kalomoiris ILVIGAL, Fargeco Hellas, PANINI FOODS, and KARNAROS bakery.

The organizers also warmly thank the Hellenic Police for coordination and the safe implementation of the events, as well as the Presidents of the Local Communities, cultural associations, and residents of all communities along the Truce Trail for the excellent hospitality they offered to the runners of the Route of Truce 2025.

 

The full press release with all the events within the Route of Truce 2025 can be found HERE.