8th 9 Muses  Ultra Race – Melpomene
Agia Anna – Delphi, 59 km
May 16, 2026
FINAL PROGRAM

Saturday, May 16, 2026

04:00                 Boarding of the bus for the transfer of athletes from Athens to Agia Anna.
                         The bus will be at Karaiskaki Square, near Crystal Hotel
                         (close to Peroke Theater).
                          All athletes are requested to be on time, as the bus will depart
                          promptly at 04:00!

06:00–06:30     Arrival of the bus at Agia Anna.

06:00–07:30    Bib number and accreditation pick-up at the starting point
                        (Athina Hotel). Drop bags must be delivered to the registration desk.

07:30–07:45    Gathering of athletes at the start, brief instructions.

08:00               Race start.

12:30–13:15    Estimated arrival of the first athlete in Delphi.

17:00               Arrival of the last athlete, end of the race.

17:15–17:45   Award ceremony for the winners at the finish area.

15:00–19:30   Dinner for the athletes at Iniohos Hotel.

19:45–20:00   Departure of the bus for the return of athletes to Athens

Important Notice: Athletes who wish to shower after finishing the race may do so at the hotel Iniohos,
where rooms have been reserved specifically for this purpose .
These rooms are only for participants of the “9 Muses Race.”
Attention: Please bring your own towel. The hotel is not obliged to provide one.

 

26th EUCHIDIOS ATHLOS | 15–17 May 2026
Euchidios Hyper Athlos (Delphi–Plataea–Delphi, 215 km)

 Euchidios Athlos (Plataea–Delphi, 107.5 km)

 9 Muses  Ultra Race “Melpomene” (Agia Anna–Delphi, 59 km)

| Lighting of the Delphic Flame – Euchidios Torch Relay

FINAL UPDATE – INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL THREE RACES

Dear athletes and friends, as the time for this historic event approaches, the Organizing Committee has been working intensively to ensure a race that will be both enjoyable and memorable. The course passes through verdant landscapes filled with the scents of spring, while the historic Plataea, Mount Helicon, Mount Parnassus, and the imposing Delphi await you. We look forward to welcoming you at the start line.

1. Regulations and Crew Support

All athletes and accompanying crew members must strictly adhere to the official race regulations, in accordance with international ultradistance standards. Crew assistance is permitted exclusively at designated checkpoints and aid stations. It is strictly prohibited for crew to stop between stations, follow athletes at low speed with any vehicle, or travel against the direction of the race; any violation may result in disqualification. Parking in a way that obstructs aid stations is also prohibited.

All crew members must be officially declared and will receive accreditation upon bib collection, which must be visibly displayed on the vehicle at all times. Assistance from non-accredited individuals is not permitted. Athletes and crew must follow instructions only from authorized members of the Organizing Committee.

2. Mornos Canal Section

A section of the Euchidios Athlos and Hyper Athlos route runs for approximately 5 km alongside the Mornos canal (10 km total for the out-and-back ultra section). Crew vehicles are not permitted on this dirt road section and must rejoin the course via the asphalt road through Kaparelli.

3. Mandatory Night Equipment

During nighttime hours, athletes are required to wear a headlamp and reflective elements on their clothing at all times. Failure to comply will result in disqualification, in accordance with strict traffic authority regulations.

4. Clothing Recommendation

Athletes are strongly advised to carry a light windproof jacket, as temperatures on Mount Helicon may be low during the night and early morning hours.

5. Running Direction and Safety

Athletes must run on the left-hand side of the road, except for a section on the Distomo–Arachova national road with limited visibility due to sharp turns. The route is well marked; however, particular caution is required in the areas of Xironomi–Domvrena (and the reverse direction for longer races) and Distomo–Arachova for all events, due to high vehicle speeds. Athletes should remain at the edge of the road at all times.

6. Restricted Assistance Area

Crew assistance and parking are strictly prohibited at checkpoint no. 20 (uphill section after Distomo) due to safety concerns.

7. Arachova Tunnel Section

At checkpoint no. 22 (water point at the entrance to the Arachova tunnel), all athletes must turn left and follow the parallel road above the tunnel. Passage through the tunnel is strictly forbidden and will result in disqualification.

8. Water Points

Stopping or providing assistance at water-only points is not permitted.

9. Withdrawal Procedure

Any athlete wishing to withdraw must surrender their race number at the nearest checkpoint and sign the withdrawal form. A sweep bus will be available for transportation. Under no circumstances should an athlete leave the race without informing the organizers.

10. Finish Area Parking (Delphi)

Crew members are kindly requested not to park near the finish area in Delphi due to limited space required for operational needs.

11. Media Policy

Professional photography or videography is not permitted without prior authorization from the organizers.

USEFUL INFORMATION

1. Bib Collection

• 215 km: Thursday 14 May, 17:00–19:00, Delphi Town Hall (1st floor)
• 107.5 km: Friday 15 May, 18:00–22:30, Plataea start area
• 59 km: Saturday 16 May, 06:00–07:30, Agia Anna start area

2. Drop Bags

Drop bags may be submitted at bib collection and will be accepted at the following checkpoints:
No. 5 (Xironomi), 7 (Thisvi), 11 (Agia Anna), 15 (Kyriaki), 17 (Lakka), 19 (Distomo), 21 (Zemeno), and at Plataea (turnaround point for 215 km).

3. CHECK POINTS

All stations will provide water, juices, isotonic drinks, soft drinks, biscuits, rusks, savory snacks, fruits, sweets, etc. Main stations will also offer meals such as pasta, rice, potatoes, chicken soup, and trahana.

4. Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at Hotel Iniohos in Delphi. Athletes in the 215 km race must vacate their rooms on Friday morning before the start and will receive new rooms after finishing on Saturday. Luggage storage is available at the hotel.

5. Meals

Meal tickets will be distributed with bib numbers and must be presented in order to receive meals. The pasta party (Thursday 14 May) and Saturday dinner will take place at Hotel Iniohos. The Sunday reception (17 May) will be held at the European Cultural Centre of Delphi. Only crew members with paid participation are entitled to meals.

6. Luggage

• 215 km: see accommodation section
• 107.5 km & 59 km: luggage will be transported by bus to Delphi (Hotel Iniohos)

Athletes must place their belongings in the bus luggage compartment before departure. Seats must be vacated as the bus will operate as a sweep vehicle. Do not place valuables in luggage or drop bags, as the organizers bear no responsibility for loss.

7. Showers (59 km Athletes Only)

Shower facilities are available at Hotel Iniohos after the finish. Athletes must bring their own towels.

8. Delphic Flame Ceremony and Torch Relay

The lighting of the Delphic Flame will take place on Sunday 17 May at the Angelos Sikelianos Museum, followed by a torch relay in Delphi. Athletes are encouraged to attend wearing race shirts.

9. Awards Ceremony

• 215 km & 107.5 km: Sunday 17 May at the European Cultural Centre of Delphi
• 59 km: immediately after the race finish on Saturday 16 May

We kindly ask for your understanding, as minor errors or omissions may occur in an event of this scale. For any clarifications, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to welcoming you and wish you every success.

The Organizing Committee

P.S. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.