More than 2000 athletes from 44 countries participated in the 1st Rhodes Virtual Marathon

The 1st Rhodes Virtual Marathon was successfully completed. The race took place between 9 April and 9 May 2021 with the participation of more than 2000 athletes from 44 different countries of the world!

It is recalled that due to the ongoing pandemic of the Covid-19 coronavirus around the world and the restrictive measures in place in Greece to prevent the spread of the disease, the organizing committee decided not to hold the Rhodes International Marathon with the physical presence of runners, on 18 April 2021 as originally planned, putting as a key priority the safety of participants and athletes.

The solution of the digital (Virtual) race was chosen, which enabled runners all over the world to run the distance they wish (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km and 2 km races) anywhere in the world and post their performance in the Sporthive Live/Rhodes Virtual Marathon app, taking part in the great sporting celebration of Rhodes!

"Due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and as the defence of health is our main priority, the Rhodes International Marathon could not take place with the physical presence of athletes and contributors. However, feeling the need to keep in touch with the runners and with all the friends of the Marathon in Greece and the rest of the world, we chose the alternative of Virtual/digital race. Ο 1^ous Rhodes Virtual Marathon was a race adapted to the special conditions experienced by the world, proving the flexibility of the Rhodes Marathon Organizing Committee. We are particularly pleased with the great response to this initiative.

We would like to thank the South Aegean Region, the Municipality of Rhodes and DOPAR, all the sponsors and supporters, the ambassadors of the race and of course all the athletes in Greece and abroad for their cooperation and preference. We renew the appointment in Rhodes on 10 April 2022 and we are committed to offer the best race in the history of the event", said the President of the Organizing Committee of the Rhodes International Marathon and Vice President of the SEGAS Dodecanese, Marietta Papavassiliou.  

For the successful conduct of the 1^th Rhodes Virtual marathon, the President of EAS SEGAS Dodecanese, Mr. Basil D. Zeikas reported the following: "The Rhodes Marathon, adapting to the circumstances of the season, this year offered its friends the opportunity, in an extremely difficult period, to participate safely in the 1^ο  Rhodes Virtual Marathon.

Our primary concern is to protect public health and support the implementation of the state's measures to limit the spread of Covid-19.

In addition to the opportunity given to the race's friends, the Rhodes Marathon maintained its presence in domestic and international websites and media on the running movement and the Marathon. Thus, the message was passed on that the Organizing Committee and all the bodies involved, after the end of the pandemic, will be ready to organize the Rhodes Marathon at the level that befits Rhodes and its citizens and the runners who choose it.

I personally and the members of the Association of Athletic Clubs of the Dodecanese as co-organizers, are happy that the 1^ous  Rhodes Virtual Marathon was a great success with participants from Greece and the rest of the world".

"The 1st Rhodes Virtual Marathon was a great success. The response of the athletes in Greece and abroad was impressive, which shows the popularity of the Rhodes International Marathon, a race that has the practical support of the South Aegean Region from the very first moment. All these years the Rhodes Marathon has been steadily evolving and has become an institution for international running events, the leading sporting event in Rhodes and the South Aegean in general.", said on his part the appointed sports consultant of the Region of Aegean, Mr.. Nikos Nikolis.

At the same time, the Deputy Mayor of Culture, Communication, Public & International Relations and President of PROTOUR, Mr. Alexander Koliadis, stated the following: "The International Marathon of Rhodes is a race that attracts the attention of the international running community to Rhodes. It is a race that proves that Rhodes can host major sporting events. The success of the digital race and the great participation of athletes around the world show the acceptance and recognition of the Rhodes Marathon which has the full support of the Municipality of Rhodes and IOPAR.".

Social purpose

Part of the proceeds of the race will be donated to the hospital to cover needs related to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The Organising Committee of the Rhodes International Marathon supports the fight to reduce the number of cases of Covid-19 disease by supporting the efforts of the Rhodes General Hospital to achieve this goal. 

Organizers-Sponsors

-The 1st Rhodes Virtual Marathon was co-organized by the AMKE Rhodes Marathon, the EAS SEGAS Dodecanese, the Aegean Region and DOPAR

-Big sponsors of the race are H Hotels Collection Group and Under Armour

-Hospitality Sponsor: Mitsis Grand Hote

-Official sponsors: iStorm, Aegean Airlines, Blue Star Ferries, fibran, Three Sixty Marketing

From the Press Office