[Advendure]: In its third year, the event is now entering a phase of consolidation. About two months before the athletes set off from the start point in the historic Achaia Clauss winery, what do you believe will characterize this year's race based on your planning?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: This year's race is growing and changing for the better! A new route is added, the 5-kilometer FLOGA RACE. A new trail is already being opened, replacing a section of dirt road, and new signage will be placed on all routes.

The Koumaria Trail Series is growing. In the 2023 race, a 40-kilometer distance with an elevation gain of 2550 meters was added to meet the needs of experienced runners. The new addition for 2024 is the 5-kilometer route. The FLOGA RACE is an event that will take place the day before the other routes, aiming to support the Association of Parents of Children with Neoplastic Diseases named FLOGA (FLAME). All registration proceeds will be donated to FLOGA Patras. The race is open to runners of all levels, with the goal of introducing them to trail running.

The Marathon route left a lasting impression on all participants. We learn that more and more runners want to run on the trails in our area. The addition of FLOGA RACE was necessary for the event, as it describes and complements the purpose of our organization. I would like to mention that the initial idea was for KOUMARIA to take place during the Christmas days, as it started with the purpose of running on our favourite trails while supporting the children who are fighting their own battle during these festive days. Thus, the 5-kilometer race was added to allow as many participants as possible to meet and support this sacred cause. It is also a suitable distance for someone who wants to have a first experience with trail running.

[Advendure]: Various routes characterize the races of the event, and this year the children's race has a distinct philanthropic character. For athletes who have not yet participated in the Koumaria Trail Series, give us an overview of the highlights of the races and the most important aspects overall, both as an organization and of the hosting location.

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: Koumaria Trail Series is a mountain trail running event. It's worth noting that on the Saturday before the FLOGA RACE, the ACHAIA CLAUSS RACE KIDS, another philanthropic race, will kick off. This is a race for our little friends within the premises of ACHAIA CLAUSS winery. However, to receive their participation package, parents must donate any amount they wish to a fundraising box at the secretariat, in the presence of representatives from the "Kivotos tis Agapis (Ark of Love)" Philanthropic Association. All participants are welcomed to explore beautiful trails, well-formed on technical terrain, that takes you to the winter beauty of the region and provide a magical journey from the past to the present and the history of the hosting place.

[Advendure]: In its second year, the marathon race took place in the heart of winter. What experience did you gain from last year? Are there any changes or improvements? To which athletes do you recommend it, and how challenging is it? Do the other races remain the same?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: The marathon route is almost 42 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of 2550 meters. Looking at the elevation profile, one can understand that it is a challenging race that requires proper management from start to finish. Everyone must be prepared for the possibility of facing difficult weather conditions. Cold, rain, muddy terrain can make the race even more challenging, and in the heart of winter, it gets dark earlier, increasing the challenge. Regarding changes, a new trail section is added in place of a forest road, that is used by all distances races. The Koumaria Marathon accepts only experienced mountain trail runners, and there are participation criteria that can be found in the registration form and the race announcement.

[Advendure]: Participation in mountain trail races is currently declining in our country, but you have not faced such a problem so far. What about this year? Can the size of a city like Patras as a hosting venue, with its running tradition, and the attractions of the region make the race become more international, as well as any other future activities you may have considered for Achaia in general? Do you receive support from local authorities and the community?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: The KOUMARIA TRAIL SERIES grows every year in both strength and popularity. The current data indicates that the 3rd edition of the race will have even more participants and athletes from all over the country. The capital of Western Greece has all the necessary infrastructures to support large events. A prominent example is the Patras Carnival, one of the largest events in Greece, bringing carnival enthusiasts from around the world to our city. Our region has all the necessary elements for an international race. Our team envisions, dreams, and sets goals for improvement and evolution. The beginning has already been made with the STYX VERTICAL race within the framework of the HELMOS MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL. The resonance and impressions left by STYX on everyone who participated, either as competitors or spectators, lead us to make plans for the development of this race, which we will reveal in the future.

Authorities of the Western Greece Prefecture are by our side, supporting us in every way, providing solutions to any concerns. The local community has embraced the event in all its aspects. The Health Runners Association of Patras supports us at all levels, and numerous volunteers participate from the clubs and communities of the areas where the race takes place. The local businesses and companies in the city offer rich prizes for the athletes and the participation package.

[Advendure]: The Achaia Clauss Winery, a place with a great history, significant contemporary presence for the city of Patras, and a key element of the event—after all, athletes start their race running through its vineyards—is something that, based on our experience from similar events abroad, is worth incorporating into your activities not only during the days of the event but generally. How could this be done? Have you carried out or thought about any actions for the future through DIAVA?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: ACHAIA CLAUSS was one to the first five businesses of the Modern Greek State since 1861. The vineyards, the building facilities, the cathedral towers, and the surrounding area make our event unique and directly link it to a significant part of the history of the region of Achaia. Anyone who finds themselves there during the race days can enjoy a magical journey through the cellars and the past, accompanied by the hospitable hosts. The DIAVA team has excellent cooperation with the people of ACHAIA CLAUSS, and several actions have been taken for activities in the area, many of which will be implemented through our collaboration.

[Advendure]: Since I mentioned DIAVA, give us an overview of your activities so far, as well as your vision for the coming year and the near future, especially regarding trails, sports and cultural events, and the promotion of the hidden 'treasures' of Achaia region.

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: Apart from the KOUMARIA TRAIL SERIES and the STYX Vertical race, which we discussed earlier, it's worth mentioning the successful ENDURO GREEK SERIES mountain bike races organized by DIAVA in collaboration with the Mountain Biking Club of Patras last year in Potidania Fokidas. Another Enduro MTB race has been added to the calendar for 2024 in Achaia, organized by DIAVA. On December 10, 2023, in collaboration with EOS Patras, a seminar on mountain hiking and the benefits of mental health will take place. The main characteristic of most of the activities we currently implement and plan for the future involve trail running and/or mountain biking.

[Advendure]: The bet on organizing a mountain running event in the heart of winter seems to be paying off, as demonstrated by the success of the first two editions. The concentration of races in spring and autumn and the change in climatic conditions towards milder temperatures support the extension of the race calendar throughout the year?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: One of the main reasons we chose winter after the holidays, besides the philanthropic nature of the event as mentioned in a previous question, was the gap in the calendar. We tried as much as possible to avoid dates when other races take place, so as not to put participants in a dilemma, considering that most of us involved in the organization do participate in other mountain running races. Whether it's a 'summer' day like in the Alkyonides (Alkyonides Days take place every year between January 1^st and 31^st and last 15 days. During this period, the weather is unseasonably warm; the days are sunny and balmy, without clouds or winds.) as happened in 2023 or a wintery day with rain and hail like in 2022, running in these conditions offers a unique experience. The facilities of ACHAIA CLAUSS play a significant role, and with its sheltered spaces and rooms, we can ensure the smooth flow of the entire event even in unstable weather conditions.

[Advendure]: Recently, we saw a successful road running camp in the city of Patras, with the participation of international athletes. Have you ever considered something similar for mountain running?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: Certainly, an international mountain running race in Greece is, I imagine, a dream for many organizers. Everyone is aware of the requirements and the high demands for an event to gain international status. This doesn't intimidate our team; instead, we see it as a significant challenge, a bet that we would like to win in the future.

[Advendure]: Looking at our last year's article about the event, you promised us annually surprises and new things. What can we expect for the future?

[Dimitris Apostolopoulos]: In the second edition of the race in 2023, the Marathon distance was added, which is now an integral part of the event. In 2024, the FLOGA RACE is added with the aim of becoming established. The KOUMARIA TRAIL SERIES is growing. Our goal in the immediate future is to fully utilize the area, which is suitable for trail running. There are enough trails that we have mapped, and we have already started taking care of them for future use. Our vision is a major event that will cover all the needs of runners of short and long distances.

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Dimitrios Troupis