Crete Marathon

The points that decide the race: technical sections, stations, climbs, summits and what to watch for generally.

The organiser's own course description

• Old harbourkm 2.5Through the market, then along the Venetian harbour and the seafront of Nea Chora. The prettiest two kilometres of the race come first: enjoy them, but keep the pace easy.
• Kladisos junctionkm 5Onto Miki Theodoraki Avenue, the coast road west. From here to the turn it is one long, almost flat road.
• Stationkm 12.5Along the beaches of Agia Marina and Platanias, with the islet of Agioi Theodoroi offshore.
• Malemekm 20The turn is just ahead, 200 m before the Tavronitis junction, with a timing mat at halfway. Check the wind: if it was behind you on the way out, it is in your face now.
• Stationkm 30Back along the same coast road towards Chania. The long straight stretches can feel endless here: run from station to station.
• Agioi Apostoloikm 35Off the avenue into Kalamaki, Agioi Apostoloi and Chrysi Akti: a loop through the resort streets and coves, with more turns than anywhere else on the course.
• Stationkm 37.5A timing mat follows at 37.9 km.
• Last stationkm 40Back in town on Kissamou and Skalidi streets, past the market to the stadium. There is one more water point at 41.1 km.