The Rhodes International Marathon is upgraded from this year!

The Rhodes International Road Marathon will be upgraded in many areas this year! This is the conclusion of the first press conference held on Friday (02-03-2018) at the "Plaza" hotel, in the presence of several media representatives, as well as sponsors and volunteers.

As stated, inter alia, the 5ous International Marathon Road Rhodes on April 29, 2018, is under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and has been included in the programs of major "tour operators". Also, the Municipality of Rhodes, through the Municipal Organization for Culture and Sports (DOPAR), will be a co-organizer of the event.

The Rhodes Marathon accepted a twinning proposal with the Larnaca Marathon, acquired a new, more functional website, and introduced cash prizes for the first winners.

PAPAVASILEIOU: "FLESH AND BONES THE VISION..."

The Deputy Head of Tourism, Sports and Culture of South East Greece and President of the Organizing Committee, Ms. Marietta Papavasiliou said that the Rhodes Marathon is now entering the phase of "coming of age". It is a race institution, while its organizational and functional excellence ranks it among the important racing actions of our country. The official approval of the Federation of SEGAS, as well as AIMS & IAAF ensure its validity and international recognition.

As Mrs Papavasiliou said, it is a sporting event that belongs to Rhodes and to all Rhodians, while it aims to enhance the reputation of the destination and attract visitors-athletes from all over the world in order to boost the destination's traffic during the low season. This project is taking shape this year as major tour operators are including the marathon in their packages.

"This year the vision of linking sport and tourism is taking shape. After targeted and intensive efforts, major tour operators have become active and have included our marathon in their product packages. In particular, TUI Belgium has put together complete holiday packages that include participation in the Rhodes Marathon, which are sold through its website.

At the same time, LTUR starts in the next few days through its network of tourist offices and through the internet the promotion and sale of organized holiday packages in combination with the Rhodes Marathon.

This development is a great achievement for the race and for the destination. We are confident that the example of TUI and LTUR will be followed by other tourism organisations. For our part, we will continue our efforts to strengthen the interest of the tour operators," Ms Papavasiliou said.

Continuing, the President of the O.E. announced that the 5th International Marathon of Rhodes is under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) in the context of the process of linking Sport and Tourism. The participation in the race of a team consisting of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO and local tourism bodies is part of this logic. As Ms Papavassiliou explained, this initiative was launched by the Minister of Tourism herself, Elena Kountoura in the classic marathon of Athens and will be continued in Rhodes.

Another important announcement was made by Ms Papavasiliou saying that the Rhodes Marathon will be twinned with the Larnaca Marathon, a race which has many common elements with that of Rhodes.

KYRIASIS: "RHODES IS A CENTRE OF WORLD SPORT"

For his part, the president of IOPAR, Mr. Stefanos Kyriazis said that the event can highlight the island of Rhodes as a world-renowned sports centre. For his part, the president of IOPAR, Mr. Stefanos Kyriazis said that the event can highlight the island of Rhodes as a world-renowned sports centre. "We are pleased to co-organise the Rhodes Marathon. This major sporting event has elevated our island to the status of a world-class and prestigious sports centre. The Rhodes Marathon should reach all corners of the earth. See you at the Town Hall Square on 29 April", said the IOPAR President.

ΖΗKAS: "THREE MAIN PILLARS..."

Taking the floor, the President of the Dodecanese SEGAS and Vice President of the Organizing Committee of the International Marathon of Rhodes, Mr. Vasilios Zekas, spoke about the excellent cooperation of all those involved, promising another quality and successful race.

"The excellent cooperation between the co-organizers (Region of South East Greece, the Municipality of Rhodes through DOPAR, SEGAS and EAS SEGAS Dodecanese) and the participation of all the island's organizations, mobilizes clubs, associations and voluntary groups.

We are moving on three pillars:

• Sports participation - mobilizing the citizens of the island for sports at all ages with the benefits that result from it.
• Sports tourism - Promotion of the historical and architectural heritage of Rhodes and its rare natural beauty.
• Develop volunteering and community service.

All of us are making every effort for a quality and successful race that will be an unforgettable experience for everyone and a special event for Rhodes", said Mr.

PAULUS: "TOUR OPERATORS INVEST"

Mr. Michael Pavlous, representing the central administration of SEGAS, said: "The Rhodes Marathon is a successful and internationalised sporting event. For the first time this year, tourism operators are investing in the Rhodes Marathon. This was a strategic objective of the co-organisers and especially of the Region. There are many opportunities for the island of Rhodes to

develop other such events, which can contribute to the objective of extending the tourist season.

Representing the main SEGAS I will wish good luck in this year's edition of the Rhodes Marathon".

POLIAS: "WE HAVE NOTHING TO ENVY..."

The Technical Director of the Rhodes Marathon, Mr. Nikos Polias said that 60% of the registrations so far have been made from abroad and said that this year there will be record performance and participation. Specifically, Mr. Polias said:

"A great experience has now been gained by all those involved in the various areas of organization of the Rhodes Marathon - a great experience. We are ready to offer runners from all over the world and Greeks a very good experience. The event has nothing to envy to similar events abroad.

Many steps have been taken to upgrade the event this year, such as the new website which is functional and has helped with registration. Also the introduction of cash prizes to the winners, we expect will enhance the racing by attracting better runners. Already the moves made to promote the Marathon abroad are bearing fruit. 60% of the entries so far are from abroad, namely from 25 different countries. Among them are France, Germany and the USA.

We believe that we will surpass previous participation levels in all races and we expect to set performance records."

-Short address by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Maritime Policy

κ. Nektarios Santorinis stating that it is the duty of the Government and the Local Government to support such efforts. Among other things, the Minister's greeting mentioned: "I greet and welcome to our municipality the 5th International Marathon of Rhodes. It is a great honour for our island to host such an event as the Marathon is not only a sporting event, but an opportunity to promote tourism, culture, our islands and our country in general. The Government and the Local Government supports this project and it is our duty to contribute to all sporting efforts that have a healthy basis and reach the general public. I hope the citizens of Rhodes will embrace this sporting action and be present with their active participation. I wish all the athletes who will participate in the 5th Rhodes International Marathon good luck and enjoy the experience".

-Registrations for the Marathon, Half Marathon, and the 10 km races,

5 km and 1,000 meters for primary school students continue and

those interested can register on the renewed website www.rhodesmarathon.gr, which has a wealth of information and visual material about the event.

Registration is open daily, except Saturday and Sunday (09.00-13.00) and at the offices of the Dodecanese SEGAS SEGAS offices at 1 Vyronos Street. The Rhodes Marathon is organized by the South Aegean Region, the E.A.S.S.E.G.A.S. of the Dodecanese and the Municipality of Rhodes-DOPAR, and is under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT). Also, with the support of the Rhodes Hoteliers Association, and has been included in the official calendar of AIMS.