TUI Rhodes Marathon: The Flame of Kallipateira was lit by Panagiotis Karaiskos.

The leading Greek runner, Panagiotis Karaiskos, lit the Flame of Kallipateira, in front of the Rhodes Town Hall, marking the countdown to the 11th TUI Rhodes Marathon.

Karaiskos brought the Flame accompanied by the champions, Rania Remboulis, Thomas Manousos, Michalis Hadjiioannou and Yiannis Detsikas, who were then awarded by the Organizing Committee.

In her speech, the President of the Organizing Committee, Marietta Papavassiliou, emphasized, among other things: "Today, Rhodes confirms its timeless role as a meeting point of people, cultures and values. Our Marathon now opens a new chapter. Having completed a decade of successful history, it continues to evolve and strengthen its footprint on the tourist and sporting identity of Rhodes.

The uniqueness of the TUI Rhodes Marathon resembles a complex puzzle, the most important piece of which is the incomparable beauty of our island. A beauty that gave us the opportunity to design a unique route, where the runner is connected to the vastness of the Aegean and our culture, running next to the sea, the medieval walls and the monuments of the place.

We are delighted to see the steady growth of the running movement in Rhodes year after year, cultivating in the youth and in the local community the ideals of noble competition and “fair play”. This is precisely one of the greatest achievements of our Marathon. And for this we can be truly proud.”

Greetings were delivered by the Governor of the South Aegean, Giorgos Hadjimarkos, who highlighted the dynamics of the Rhodes Marathon, the consistency and effectiveness of the Organizing Committee, as well as its contribution to the promotion of the South Aegean, before the start of the summer season.

The Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, thanked the organizers and volunteers of the event and referred to the importance of Kallipateira for Rhodes, as well as the fact that through the Marathon, younger people learn about its history and its uniqueness for the Olympic movement.

Evangelos Georgiou, on behalf of TUI, referred to the importance of the Rhodes Marathon in attracting visitors, outside the tourist season, as well as the excellent cooperation it has with the Organizing Committee, while the Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Andreas Fiorentinos, emphasized his joy at being on the island and emphasized that Rhodes is traditionally at the forefront of the Greek tourist product.

The event was also attended by Akis Delaportas (Sports Commissioner of the Hellenic Republic), Michalis Plygos (Sports Commissioner of the Municipality of Rhodes) and Vasilis Zikas (member of SEGAS and EAS Dodecanese).

The warmest applause at the event was received by the artistic performances by Elli Paraskeva's group, followed by a party with Ollie.

The 11th TUI International Rhodes Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 26, with the participation of more than 5000 runners from 70 countries.

Summary Competition Schedule – Sunday, April 26, 2026

10km race: 07:20 (Freedom Square)

Marathon: 07:30 (Freedom Square)

Half Marathon: 07:30 (Freedom Square)

5km race: 11:50 Block A (Start Rimini Square)

5km race: 11:52 Block B (Start Rimini Square)

Walking Route: 11:53 (Starting at Rimini Square)

Children's Race: 13.00 (Start ELTA Post Office)

Co-organizers of the race are the Urban Non-Profit Company “MARATHONIOS RHODES”, the Region of South Aegean, the Municipality of Rhodes and

the EAS SEGAS Dodecanese. The organization is supported by the Rhodes Hoteliers Association, the Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dodecanese Ephorate of Antiquities, while it is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, SEGAS and the Hellenic Tourism Organization-GNTO.

-The TUI Rhodes Marathon is held with the certification of SEGAS and the International Road Marathon Federation AIMS, on an excellent coastal route that "runs" through the most important sights of Rhodes.

-TUI is the new Title Sponsor and Distribution Partner of the TUI Rhodes Marathon, contributing to strengthening the international visibility of the event.

-For more information:

https://www.rhodesmarathon.gr

https://www.facebook.com/roadstorhodes

https://www.instagram.com/tuirhodesmarathon

FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

OF THE ORGANISATION