The Voice Of The People
The Corfu Triathlon was the dream of Telis Porfiris.
He realized his dream despite having an accident whilst marking the route and hurting his eye.
Here is Telis's story
I really LOVE our mountain! Maybe because it is easy for me to go up there as I live in a village at the bottom of the mountain.
I always find reasons to go to the mountain, whether I am happy or I am sad, or when I am alone or when I am with friends... I always find a good reason to go to our moumtain.
That is how it started - the whole idea - to re-open the old paths; with the urge and assistance of my friend Yiannis Aravantinosso...so that we, as well as more friends and more people, can get to know and axperience all the unique spots and the spectacular views of our moumtain.
This is how the idea to organise a mountain race in March came about - 'THE PATH OF THE PILGRIMS' - and then, I thought that we could have a combination of the swimming I do almost every day in the sea of Ipsos, with the running and biking I also do almost every day in our mountain.
The idea was born and the baby was the CORFU TRIATHLON Mountain Pantokrator!!
I would really like to thank all the athletes and friends who worked hard for this event after my accident.
The CORFU TRIATHLON MOUNT PANTOKRATOR came true because of all these people who helped and completed all the efforts I had already made...
Telis's friends rallied to help out at the last minute and the result was an amazing morning of sport; starting with 750metres of swimming in the Ionian Sea – followed by an 18 kilometre uphill bike ride to the top on Mount Pantokrator; finishing with the 10k run back down the mountain via the trails and following a spectacular off road route.
Here are the reports of the event from three of his friends who helped out to ensure the triathlon went ahead.
Nikos and Thanasis are two of the organizing committee for the Kassios dias race which takes place in mid May The challenging trail race celebrated its fourth time of running in 2013.
With their experience of race organizing Nikos and Thanasis and George (who also lives in Kassiopi,) were valuable in helping to ensure the success of the Corfu Triathlon
What begian as a race for the locals has grown over the years, both in the length and severity of the race! - and the number of participants. Kassios Dias now also attracts runners from overseas.
Nikos Tsirimiagos
His story
I could not agree more with a triathlon race taking place in Corfu.
Our island seems to be ideal for such kind of events, with the beautiful Ionian sea right next to Pantokrator mountain!
It has always been a dream of mine to participate in a triathlon race next to my home place.
Telis and the Pantokrator Ultimate Trail team took it one step further and organized a demanding extreme triathlon race with success.
It was a hard event to set up and organize; but it was a fun race to the rest of us…the triathlon hungry community of the island.
With more than 80 participants for this first time of the running of the event,, a strong foundation has been built.
Corfu Triathlon has won its place in Corfu's sports calendar and is here to stay with much more to give in the years to come!
George Tsiolis
His story
About me... I'm feeling proud of my first 'sloppy' attempt; my transitions reminded me of a girlfriend I had back in my youth, she made me get drunk in her Mum's living room each time we were going out, because it took her ages to dress up...!
This was how slow my transitions were!
They took me at least 4 minutes more than they should have and cost me one spot on the table (10th instead of the 11th that was my score for the day)
This is a lesson for next time, and there will be one since Triathlon attracts me with the multitask character, that in my opinion resembles life...
For sure I will stand on the pebbles of Ipsos next year.
This crazy dreamer Telis Porfiris gathered all the running community to support an event that looked impossible to get organised on time, considering how long he had to plan it from the time he thought of it; especially with the time of year, so busy with the season and the challenge of a multi event....
I promise to help more for the event that is a vital piece in the jigsaw for the race calendar of our Island.
Thanasis Sarakinos
His story
It was with great joy that I participated in the 1st Corfu triathlon in Ipsos.
I was sure about the success of the whole competition, beyond the race part!
I think we are very lucky to live in a place like this, which is ideal for swimming, cycling and running!
In the last few years, many of us who practice sport in the island are also organizing races, which is highlighting our region as a sports destination.
Over four years ago, a group of us from Kassiopi created the Kassios Dias race which takes place in the trails and long the beaches beside our town.
When reflecting on the fourth running of Kassios Dias, we felt very pleased and happy that we were able to accommodate a sufficient number of Greek and European athletes.
We can now offer a race worthy of the amazing route and worthy of the hospitality of its inhabitants; as well as the generosity of all local and foreign volunteers who embraced the event and gave a special colour to it.
I hope that the Corfu Triathlon finds its way to grow as well, after we all help one another together!!
