13th Auxentios Race - 7.4km 2026

The Auxentios Race is a 7.4 km off-road run held in Pirouniana, near Agia Varvara in Heraklion, Crete. The start and finish lines are at the Holy Spirit Byzantine Church, and its courtyard is the central point for the day's activities. This event is part of the Auxentios Games of Crete, also known as Minoan Sports, with its program focused on a local race rather than a large urban competition. The main race features categories for men (up to 18, 19-39, and 40+) and women (up to 18 and 19+). The event also includes a 600 m run for elementary and middle school students, a long jump for school students, and Cretan shot put for adults and teenagers. The shot put maintains a local tradition: adults throw a 7.26 kg weight, women throw 4 kg, and each participant has three attempts. The Pirounian Association "Axenti" is the organizer, supported by local Crete entities and volunteers from the Samaritans of Moirai.