Avgos Trail 8.7km 2026

The Avgos Trail 8.7km begins and ends in central Kavousi, a village in eastern Crete's Lasithi region. This is the shorter event in the Kavousi Mountain Races, taking place in October. It covers over 510 meters of elevation gain on a contained, circular mountain course. The Kavousi Cultural Association organizes the race, with technical assistance from the Kavousi Mountain Runners. Participants must be 18 years or older. It is a trail race in the straightforward sense: brief distance, steep for its length, and designed around the paths above the village, not for road speed. The course overlaps with the 22.3km race, crossing the Havga and Mesona gorges, the Avgos valley, and the historic settlements of Panagias and Melisses. Runners will also encounter Byzantine chapels, kermes oak woodlands, the Minoan Olive Tree of Kavousi, and a segment of the E4 trail. Aid stations at Avgos and Azoria will provide water, isotonic drinks, Coca-Cola, fruit, snacks, raisins, and nuts. The event attracts participants from Crete, mainland Greece, and other Greek islands. The day's schedule includes age-group competitions, transportation from Heraklion, finisher awards, photography, and a meal for athletes and their guests.