Jerusalem Marathon 2020

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Jerusalem Marathon, Israel

Save the date: 20 March 2020

Information: Official Site

Starting Time: 07:00am (Local Time)

Time Limit: 6 Hours

The Course map: Map

About the city of Jerusalem:

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Jerusalem (/dʒəˈruːsələm/; Hebrew: יְרוּשָׁלַיִם About this soundYerushaláyim; Arabic: القُدس‎ About this soundal-Quds or Bayt al-Maqdis, also spelled Baitul Muqaddas[9][10][11])[note 2] is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim Jerusalem as their capital, as Israel maintains its primary governmental institutions there and the State of Palestine ultimately foresees it as its seat of power; however, neither claim is widely recognized internationally. Wikipedia

You must Visit: 

The Old City

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Surrounded by ancient walls, the Old City is home to holy sites such as the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock Islamic shrine, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which dates to the 4th century. Shops and markets selling prayer shawls, rosaries, and ceramics fill busy alleys, while food stalls serve falafel, pita, and fresh-squeezed juice. In a medieval citadel, the Tower of David museum chronicles the city’s history.

Western Wall

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The Western Wall, Wailing Wall, or Kotel (Hebrew: הַכּוֹתֶל הַמַּעֲרָבִי),[1] known in Islam as the Buraq Wall (Arabic: Ḥā’iṭ al-Burāq حَائِط ٱلْبُرَاق Arabic pronunciation: ['ħaːʔɪtˤ albʊ'raːq]),[2] is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is a relatively small segment of a far longer ancient retaining wall, known also in its entirety as the "Western Wall".[3] The wall was originally erected as part of the expansion of the Second Jewish Temple begun by Herod the Great, which resulted in the encasement of the natural, steep hill known to Jews and Christians as the Temple Mount, in a large rectangular structure topped by a huge flat platform, thus creating more space for the Temple itself and its auxiliary buildings. For Muslims, it is traditionally the site where the Islamic Prophet Muhammad tied his winged steed, al-Buraq, on his Isra and Mi'raj to Jerusalem before ascending to paradise, and constitutes the Western border of al-Haram al-Sharif. Wikipedia

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

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The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Latin: Ecclesia Sancti Sepulchri); also called the Church of the Resurrection or Church of the Anastasis by Eastern Christians (Arabic: كَنِيسَةُ ٱلْقِيَامَة‎ Kanīsatu al-Qiyāmah; Greek: Ναὸς τῆς Ἀναστάσεως Naos tes Anastaseos; Armenian: Սուրբ Հարության տաճար Surb Harut'yan tač̣ar); is a church in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The church contains, according to traditions dating back to at least the fourth century, the two holiest sites in Christianity: the site where Jesus was crucified, at a place known as Calvary or Golgotha, and Jesus's empty tomb, where he is said to have been buried and resurrected. The tomb is enclosed by a 19th-century shrine called the Aedicula.[d] The Status Quo, an understanding between religious communities dating to 1757, applies to the site. Wikipedia

Dome of the Rock

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The Dome of the Rock (Arabic: قبة الصخرة‎ Qubbat al-Sakhrah, Hebrew: כיפת הסלע‎ Kippat ha-Sela) is an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. It was initially completed in 691–92 CE at the order of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik during the Second Fitna on the site of the Second Jewish Temple, destroyed during the Roman Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The original dome collapsed in 1015 and was rebuilt in 1022–23. The Dome of the Rock is in its core one of the oldest extant works of Islamic architecture. Wikipedia

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Cyprus Marathon 2020

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Cyprus Marathon, Paphos Cyprus

Save the date: 15 March 2020

Information: Official Site

Starting Time: 07:30am (Local Time)

Time Limit: 6 Hours

Course Map: 

2019 Winners:

Male: Adam Holland (Great Britain) 02:35:03"

Female: Abi Gooch (Great Britain) 03:23:06"

Stelios Kyriakides: A winner of the Boston Marathon from Paphos

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Stylianos (Stelios) Kyriakides was born in the mountain village of Statos, near Pafos, in Cyprus on the 15th January, 1910. The youngest of five children, he left home to find work and help his poor farming family. Following a variety of jobs he ended up as a ‘house-boy’ for Dr Cheverton, a British Medical Officer.  An athlete himself, Cheverton encouraged the now 22-year old Kyriakides to start running, gave him his first running gear, coaching advice and taught him to speak English.

The runner

At his first Pan-Cyprian games in 1932, Kyriakides won both the 1,500 and 10,000 metres on Friday, followed by both the 5,000 and 20,000 metres on Sunday.  Hailed as a great talent, he was asked to run in the national championships in Greece, where he came first in the Marathon and second in the 10,000 metres.

He subsequently trained under the Hungarian Otto Simitchek, who was brought to Greece in 1929 to revive the Greek national track and field team.  Simitchek created the ‘Greek Dream Team’ of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Although Kyriakides was the youngest in the team, he was chosen by Simitchek to be the team captain, because of his serious approach and honest character.


In 1938 he goes by ship to the US to run the Boston Marathon, at the invitation of Johnny Kelly, who he met in Berlin Olympics (1936), and he is well received by the Greek-American community. He drops out of the race because of blisters in his feet as a result of wearing a new pair of shoes without socks. He promises Jerry Nason, the Boston Globe sports editor, that he will return and win.

Community Work

In 1952 he starts organizing athletics for youngsters, beginning with in his own neighbourhood of Filothei. Between 1954-56, he helps build the Filothei running track and in 1956 starts the Filothey Athletic Track and Field Club.  In 1972 the track becomes only the second stadium in Greece to have a ‘tartan’ surface fitted. The Filothei club, under Kyriakides’ guidance breeds many Greek, Balkan and Mediterranean Champions.


From 1950 to 1980, as a member of the Greek Amateur association, Kyriakides is responsible for organizing both local and international marathons, which see many of the top runners of the time (from Finland, England, Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary) come to run. Bekila Abebe, the 1960 and 1964 Olympic champion, runs the race bare footed in 1962, training at the Filothey club in advance to prepare for the race.

The War

Between 1942 and 1944, Kyriakides is part of the Greek resistance, organized by Grigoris Lambrakis, his friend and co-athlete. During the German occupation they form a group called the “Association of Greek Athletes”. His responsibility is to pass messages to the resistance groups in the north suburbs of Athens, and circulate news from the BBC, from the short-wave radio he keeps hidden at his house. The Germans don’t search his house, because of who he is, and as a result he is able to hide allied pilots in his basement before they are transported to their forces in Egypt, via the nearby Greek fishing port of Rafina.

Boston

In 1946, after the war, he decides to run the Boston Marathon again.  In order to get there, he has to sell his furniture, enabling him to buy a single ticket. In Boston he runs for charity: for his country. Crossing the finish line in first place, he shouts “For Greece!”. He begs America for its help – and they respond. When he returns to Greece, he goes with American aid (called the “Kyriakides Aid Package”), which is 25,000 tons of supplies, including $250,000 in cash. Over one million Greeks from all over the country line the streets of Athens upon his return. He declines offers to stay in the US to become a professional athlete or a movie star, knowing he has to help the rebuilding of his dilapidated country.  He sends a message to the Greek people, still fighting a civil war, to forget their differences and unite for the good of the country.


In 1947, he returns to Boston again, this time to collect money and equipment for the Greek track and field team so they can attend the 1948 London Olympics.  He returns with $50,000 and clothing and equipment for the Greek team, enabling them to make it to the Olympics the following year. Aided by the Kyriakides story and accompanied publicity, Greece in 1946/7 is the only country in Europe to receive an advance of $400 million, allocated from the Marshal aid plan (a total of $1.4 billion).

About Paphos

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Paphos is a city on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has several sites relating to the cult of goddess Aphrodite, whose mythical birthplace was at Old Paphos (Kouklia). New Paphos is the modern city that incorporates the harbor, and the ancient ruins of tombs, fortresses, theaters and villas at Paphos Archaeological Park.

You must See: 

Petra tou Romiou

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Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite's Rock, is a sea stack in Paphos, Cyprus. It is located off the shore along the main road from Paphos to Limassol. The combination of the beauty of the area and its status in mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite makes it a popular tourist location. Wikipedia

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

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The inclusion of the Kato Pafos archaeological site in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980 was the catalyst for a far-reaching plan, the aim of which was to protect and maintain the town’s archaeological remains, as well as to promote them and provide comprehensive information for visitors. Kato Pafos Archaeological Park includes sites and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, while most date from the Roman period. The marvellous mosaic floors of four Roman villas form the impressive epicentre of the Park, but the complex also includes other important monuments, such as the Asklipieion, the Odeon, the Agora, the “Saranta Kolones” (Forty Columns) fortress, the basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa (Our Lady of the Harbour) and the “Tombs of the Kings”. visitpafos.org.cy

Coral Bay

TripAdvisor

Coral Bay is a popular tourist resort in the Peyia municipality 6 km North of the city of Paphos. The coast to the north and to the south of Coral Bay is characterized by rocky headlands and sea caves, Coral Bay itself is a 600m crescent of soft white sand, enclosed by a pair of limestone headlands. Wikipedia

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Barcelona Marathon 2020

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Barcelona Marathon, Spain

Save the date: 15 March 2020

Information: Official Site

Starting Time: 08:30am (Local Time)

Time Limit: 6 Hours

Find the Elevation Map

Find the Course map with aid stations and refreshments stations: Map

2019 Winners:
Male: Alemu Bekele (Bahrain) 02:06:04"
Female: Kuftu Tahir (Ethiopia) 02:24:44"

About Barcelona City:

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Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. City history museum MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites. Wikipedia

You must visit:

La Sagrada Familia

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The Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple, for its origins, foundation and purpose. Fruit of the work of genius architect Antoni Gaudí, the project was promoted by the people for the people. Five generations now have watched the Temple progress in Barcelona. Today, more than 135 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues on the Basilica and is expected to be completed in 2026. Source

Park Güell

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The Park Guell is a public park system composed of gardens and architectonic elements located on Carmel Hill, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Carmel Hill belongs to the mountain range of Collserola - the Parc del Carmel is located on the norhtern face. Wikipedia

Casa Milà

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Casa Milà (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈkazə miˈla], Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkasa miˈla]), popularly known as La Pedrera (pronounced [ɫə pəˈðɾeɾə]) or "The stone quarry", a reference to its unconventional rough-hewn appearance, is a modernist building in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and was built between 1906 and 1912.

The building was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Milà [ca; es] and his wife Roser Segimon [ca; es]. At the time, it was controversial because of its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies and designed by Josep Maria Jujol. Several structural innovations include a self-supporting stone façade, and a free-plan floor, underground garage and the spectacular terrace on the roof.


In 1984, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Since 2013 it has been the headquarters of the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera [ca; es] which manages the visit to the building,[1] exhibitions and other cultural and educative activities at Casa Milà. Wikipedia

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Weskus Marathon 2020

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Weskus Marathon, South Africa

Save the date: 14 March 2020

Starting Time: 06:15am (Local Time)

Information: Official Site

Record Holders:

Male: Lungile Gongqa: 2:23:17"

Female: Farwa Mentoor: 2:58:49"

About Western Cape:

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The Western Cape (Afrikaans: Wes-Kaap; Xhosa: iNtshona-Koloni) is a province of South Africa, situated on the south-western coast of the country. It is the fourth largest of the nine provinces with an area of 129,449 square kilometres (49,981 sq mi), and the third most populous, with an estimated 6.6 million inhabitants in 2018.About two-thirds of these inhabitants live in the metropolitan area of Cape Town, which is also the provincial capital. The Western Cape was created in 1994 from part of the former Cape Province.  Wikipedia

You must visit:

Cape of Good Hope

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 The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa. A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope is the southern tip of Africa. This misconception was based on the misbelief that the Cape was the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Source

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

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Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The garden is one of ten National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Prior to 1 September 2004, the institute was known as the National Botanical Institute.
Kirstenbosch places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of indigenous plants. When Kirstenbosch was founded in 1913 to preserve the flora native to the South Africa’s territory, it was the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos, at a time when invasive species were not considered an ecological and environmental problem.
The garden includes a large conservatory (The Botanical Society Conservatory) exhibiting plants from a number of different regions, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and others. Outdoors, the focus is on plants native to the Cape region, highlighted by the spectacular collections of proteas. Wikipedia

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Los Angeles Marathon 2020

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Los Angeles Marathon, USA

Save the Date: 08 March 2020

Information: Official Site

Starting Time: 06:30am (Local Time)

The Course: 

The Los Angeles Marathon's Stadium to the Sea course takes runners from Dodger Stadium across Los Angeles to a scenic finish just steps from the Santa Monica Pier.

AID STATIONS

Twenty two (22) fully-staffed aid stations will feature both Water and Nunn Endruance Formula. Participants are advised to continue moving through the Aid Station if the first tables are too crowded to conveniently obtain fluids.

CLIF SHOT® Energy Gels

CLIF SHOT® Energy Gels will be available for participants at two locations, Mile 12 and Mile 19.

MEDICAL STATIONS -- Keck Medicine of USC

There is medical support at both the Start and Finish Lines as well as along the course. Medical vans are staged at miles 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. Medical tents are located at the Finish Line and in the Post Food & Fluid Area on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. A massage tent is also located at the Finish Line. All treatment will be provided by licensed professionals including physicians, nurses, therapists and medical trainers.

RESTROOMS

There are portable restrooms located at the Start Line, along the entire course just past each Aid Station, and at the Finish Line.

GEAR CHECK

Gear Check is located in Parking Lot K at Dodger Stadium. All gear checked at the Start Line will be transported to the Finish Line for pick-up post-race. Participants must use the clear plastic event-issued Participant Bag to check gear. Non-transparent bags, backpacks, or luggage will NOT be accepted. Do not check anything valuable or fragile as the Los Angeles Marathon is not liable for any loss or damage. Gear Check closes promptly at 6:30 am.

Participants will be able to retrieve their checked items immediately after crossing the Finish Line in Santa Monica along Ocean Ave. Gear Check at the Finish Line will close promptly at 3:00 pm.

CLOCKS AND MILE MARKERS

Digital clocks are positioned at locations throughout the course. Digital clocks provide the elapsed event time (gun time). Mile markers will be positioned at each mile. Markers will be positioned at each 5km split. Digital clocks at the Finish Line will display unofficial finish times. The elapsed event time begins with the male elite start.

DROPPING OUT


For runners unable to finish the course, Down Drop Runner vans will be available at various Aid Stations from miles 7-23. If you would like to drop out of the Los Angeles Marathon, make your way to an Aid Station. These vans will provide runners adequate transportation back to the Central Drop Area at the intersection of Main St and Olympic Drive in Santa Monica, which is approximately five blocks from the Finish Area. Runners who have dropped out of the race may not cross the Finish Line. Runners that cross the Finish Line despite having been transported to the Finish via van will be disqualified and barred from future events. lamarathon.com

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About Los Angeles:

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Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Near its iconic Hollywood sign, studios such as Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers offer behind-the-scenes tours. On Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre displays celebrities’ hand- and footprints, the Walk of Fame honors thousands of luminaries and vendors sell maps to stars’ homes.

You must Visit:

Hollywood Sign

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Since it was dedicated in 1923, the Hollywood Sign has become a Los Angeles icon and synonymous with the city. Originally built as "HOLLYWOODLAND" for a real estate development, the sign was rebuilt as "HOLLYWOOD" in 1949 and was nearly lost in the '70s due to vandalism and neglect. In 1978, the late Hugh Hefner hosted a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion to save the Hollywood Sign. Individual letters were auctioned off to the famous guests: rock star Alice Cooper sponsored an “O” (in honor of Groucho Marx), the "singing cowboy" Gene Autry sponsored an “L,” and Andy Williams the “W.”


Today the 45-foot-tall, 350-foot-long sign is in its best condition ever, thanks to the ongoing preservation efforts of the Hollywood Sign Trust. From hiking trails to unique views on horseback and even in a helicopter, read on for the best ways to view the world-famous Hollywood Sign. Source

Los Angeles State Historic Park

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"On a deserted railroad yard north of Chinatown, one of Los Angeles' most powerful and tenacious real estate developers, Ed Roski, Jr., met his match," reported Jesus Sanchez in a front page article in the L.A. Times, on how activists fought city hall and prevailed. Community allies helped create what is now the Los Angeles State Historic Park at the Cornfield and stopped proposed warehouses in the last vast open space in downtown L.A.

Yes, the 32 acres could have been warehouses. Instead, it's a park. The L.A. Times Magazine called the victory "a heroic monument" and a "symbol of hope." The victory kicked off the urban greening movement that led to other green justice victories in Los Angeles, including community struggles for Baldwin Hills Parkin the historic African American heart of Los Angeles, and for Rio de Los Angeles State Park and the Sonia M. Sotomayor Learning Center along the River as part of the greening of the L.A. River.


A diverse alliance of over 35 community, civil rights, environmental, business, and civic organizations and leaders worked together to stop the warehouses and convince the state to purchase the site for a park. Environmental justice and environmental quality attorneys worked with grass roots, religious, and business leaders, including the chamber of commerce. Then-Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo in 2000 withheld federal funds for the proposed warehouse project unless there was full blown environmental review, including environmental justice laws, citing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 its regulations. Source

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Nafplio Marathon 2020

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Nafplio Marathon, Greece

Save the Date: 08 March 2020 

Information:  Official Site

Starting Time: 09:00am (Local Time) 

The Course:

The Marathon course (42,195 km) is consisted of two laps of the half marathon course.

The half marathon course (21,100 km) starts on Andrea Siggrou street, from there runners continue left to the coastal road Bouboulinas until they reach Filellinon square where they make a u-turn on the port parking. They follow the coastal line towards Nea Kios from Nafpliou-Neas Kiou street where they make a u-turn before they meet Ethnikis Antistasis street before Iniachos river bridge. Following, participants return to Nafplio from the same street and they follow the streets Vasileos Pavlou, Sidiras Merarchias and the take Asklipiou Avenue till they reach Agias Eleousas roundabout where they make the last u-turn. From Asklipiou Avenue, runners return to the city and passing through Kiprou street and 25th March street they turn right on Andrea Siggrou street and finish.

The Map and Altitude diagram: 

 

 About Nafplio:

One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834. 

According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty. visitgreece.gr

You must visit:

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Follow a dream trail to discover Náfplio’s precious gems starting from the medieval Old Town, the narrow cobblestone alleys, the neoclassical well preserved mansions with the Bougainvillea trees adorning their yards and balconies and the Turkish fountains.

In the very heart of the city stands the Italianate Syntagma Square where you can admire important historic buildings and monuments. Two Turkish mosques (the first used to house the first “Mutual Learning” School and now operates as a cinema/theatre whereas the second was home to the first Greek Parliament), the Archaeological Museum with important artifacts from the Prehistoric and Mycenaean Era and the Municipal Gallery are among the buildings that stand out. Very close to the modern city stand the church of Agios Spyridonas, in front of which Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated, and the church of Agios Georgios boasting important murals such as a copy of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci work “The secret Dinner”.

The Palamidi Castle, which proudly stands 216 m above sea level. In order to reach it you have to climb all of its 999 steps carved into the rock. Not to worry, though: the view from above here is totally rewarding! Venture into a place drenched in history, where the famous hero of the Greek Revolution Theodore Kolokotronis had been imprisoned; it seems as if its battlements -named after the renowned ancient heroes Themistocles, Achilles, Fokion, Leonidas, Epaminondas and Miltiades- are still carefully protecting the city. Agios Andreas battlement built at the top of the Castle by Venetian conquerors undoubtedly offers stunning views to the Argolic gulf and the Mycenaean plain.
 
Akronafplia is the historic rock at the foot of Palamidi hill, also known by its Turkish name “Its Kale” (meaning inner castle). Inhabited since prehistoric times, the peninsula consists of three levels, among which stand three independent castles, the oldest being the western one. It was there that the ancient acropolis was situated, fortified with polygonic Cyclopean walls.

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The most photographed spot of Nafplio –and its point of reference as well– is Bourtzi, the Venetian small fortress standing on the rocky islet of Agioi Theodoroi. During the Venetian rule it was connected to Akronafplia through a huge metal chain that secured the port against enemy ship attacks. At the beginning of 1860 in Bourtzi used to live the executioners of Palamidi prisoners. In the summer you can reach the fortress by boat departing regularly from the port. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to attend one of the fascinating festivals taking place on the islet!
 
Also worth visiting: The War Museum, housed in the buildings of the former (first) Military Academy/ the houses of regent Armansberg and Mauer/ the “Lion of the Bavarians” standing in the suburb of “Pronia”/ the prestigious Peloponnesian Folk Art Museum/ The Children’s Museum / the one of its kind “Komboloi Museum”/ The Town Hall in the Trion Navarhon square/ The statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias, modern Greece’s first prime minister in the square bearing the same name/ Theodoros Kolokotronis Park with his statue standing there/ the recently renovated “Pili tis Ksiras” (Shore Gate). visitgreece.gr

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Tokyo Marathon 2020

Tokyo Marathon, Japan

Save the Date: 01 March 2020 

             Platinum Label Race

Information: Official Site

Starting Time: 09:10 (Local Time) 

Time Limits: 7 hours 

Elevation Profile:

Previous year's Winners:

🥇 Male Winner: Birhanu Legese (ETH) 02:04:48

🥇 Female Winner: Ruti Aga (ETH) 02:20:40

About Tokyo:

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Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.
Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.
Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts. japan-guide

You must visit:

Tokyo Imperial Palace

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The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.
Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards. Read more Source

Koishikawa Korakuen

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Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo's oldest and best Japanese gardens. It was built in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Like its namesake in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. Koishikawa is the district in which the garden is located in.Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes in miniature, using ponds, stones, trees and manmade hills to replicate both Japanese and Chinese scenery. A network of walking trails leads around to prescribed viewpoints from which visitors are meant to view the garden, which despite the relatively unobtrusive modern backdrop of Tokyo Dome and other buildings in the distance, remains a beautiful natural escape from urban Tokyo. Read more Source

Feel free to give us more information about the race and the city of Tokyo!