Sea-to-sky SECTIONS
Here are brief descriptions of the five main sections of the Extreme race. Runners doing the other races can also get some idea of the route that they will be running. For a detailed description of the route, download the adjoining Word file
1. Start to Lefkara Dam
30km, elevation gain 714m
Probably the most runnable of all the sections as it is mostly on jeep track, this section will be run entirely in the dark.
HEADLAMPS ARE ESSENTIAL!
Highlights will be descending into Agios Theodoros village and a long stretch that follows the route around Dipotamos dam up to Lefkara Dam.
2. Lefkara Dam to Kionia Peak
20km, elevation gain 1,303m
This section includes a haul up to Kionia, the first peak of the day. The first 17km is a gradual climb along a winding jeep track, and passes through the deserted settlement of Kypravasa and past a beautiful water fountain at Vrisi tou Petri.
The last 6km up to the checkpoint involves a steep climb on a rather technical single track trail. Keep looking back at the stunning views.
3. Kionia Peak to Palaichori,
30km, elevation gain 1,163m
A long and demanding section, the route encompasses single track, jeep track and some sections of tarmac.
The trail that starts soon after the checkpoint follows the ridge of the mountain (some loose stones sections so watch your footing). It passes the beautiful Machairas monastery and the villages of Lazanias, Fikardou, and Gourri before ending at the Theopisti Nut Butters aid station in Palaichori.
4. Palaichori to Adventure Mountain Park, 30km, elevation gain 1,556m
This is where the real climbing of the race begins, with two peaks -- Papoutsa and Madari -- to be negotiated. Papoutsa can be challenging in bad weather. and runners will have their essential equipment checked before setting off from Palaichori. This section is not for the fainthearted. It ends at the Adventure Mountain Park, where our volunteers will welcome runners with food and drinks.
5. Adventure Mountain Park to the finish, 25km elevation gain 1,122m
The first 7km of this section is relatively easy-going, and there are even some downhill sections! But from Platania picnic site along the E4 nature trail it is steep, rocky, and unrelenting. Once runners finally reach the tarmac road that leads to Troodos Square the going is slightly easier, but nevertheless ever-upwards. The last 8km, from the Troodos Ski lift checkpoint, involves navigating a section of the Artemis trail before the final ascent of the day up to the (almost) top of Shionistra, and down finally to the end at the Jubilee Hotel.
