The “Michalis Kousis” Half Marathon is a point of reference for Agrinio and attracts hundreds of athletes and fans of mass sports every year.
The Municipality of Agrinio is preparing to host the 17th “Michalis Kousis” Half Marathon, an event that is a point of reference for the city and attracts hundreds of athletes and fans of mass sports every year. At a time when amateur sports are gaining more and more importance, the Municipality is undertaking the implementation of an extensive competition program this year, adhering to all the required health protocols.
The main day of the races is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, with three different events: The 21.1 km Half Marathon, the 5 km Road Race and the 1 km Race for primary and high school students. The routes are fully asphalted and flat, with minimal elevation difference, and will be held with the support of the Agrinio Traffic Police.
The 21.1 km Half Marathon, with a starting time of 09:30, starts from the location of Dogri and follows a long route that passes through Pantanassa, Paravola, Tragana, Kainourgio and Panetolio, before ending via the Agrinio-Messologio National Road and Panepistimiou, Katraki and Charilaou Trikoupi streets at Democracy Square, where the finish line is located. The distance will be certified by an official AIMS meter, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the race.
A few minutes earlier, at 09:20, the start of the 5 km race will be given, which is aimed at both runners and those who prefer dynamic walking. The route starts from Democracy Square, follows Charilaou Trikoupi to the Mercedes dealership, where it turns around, and returns to the city center.
Immediately afterwards, at 10:05, the 1 km race for students will take place, starting at the intersection of Char. Trikoupi and Gr. Lambrakis and finishing at Democracy Square. Applications are submitted to the Department of Education & Lifelong Learning in Mavili Square, with the right to participate for those born from 2015 to 2022.
In the adult races, the right to participate is set at 18 years for the Half Marathon and 11 for the 5 km, while a responsible parental declaration is required for minors.
The day before, on December 6, the Municipality of Agrinio plans to hold the established “athlete’s celebration” at the old vegetable market, an event that serves as a warm welcome for participants and companions. The program includes thematic chatrooms with short discussions about sports, its importance in the lives of young and old and the role of parents in supporting children’s sports. After the discussions, a festive event will follow in the same place, reinforcing the spirit of participation and community presence that characterizes the institution.
Significant facilities have been provided for participating athletes. Hotels in the city will offer a 50% discount on double and triple rooms for the entire duration of the event, facilitating those who travel to Agrinio for the race. At the same time, the Municipality of Agrinio will rent tourist buses for free transportation of athletes from Athens or other cities in Greece, with the prerequisite of the participation of at least 40 people per route.
The Municipality of Agrinio seeks, for another year, to highlight the importance of amateur sports and give residents, as well as visitors, the opportunity to participate in an event that honors the memory and journey of the great marathon runner from Agrinio, Michalis Kousis.
