Trail type: Best of Western Crete - technical and rocky underfoot.
Total distance: 110km (approx)
Total ascent: approx 5,000M ascent - stunning inland mountains and the southern coastal E2 trail
Highlights: The Crete trail run tour offers seven runs over eight days covering up to 110km exploring the western region of Crete, an ancient island known for its mythology, hidden beaches, coves and coastlines, deep gorges, and mountain ranges that soar up from sea level to azure skies.
Highest point: 2453m - Pachnes (2nd highest mountain in Crete)
Difficulty: 15-25km days on rocky terrain (run when you can, hike fast when you can’t)
Trip duration trail: 8days/7nights
On trail total: 7 days
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About The Host
Chris
As a longstanding journalist in the adventure media, and editor of the southern hemisphere trail running title, Trail Run Mag, my worldview had been slightly warped and imprinted with the lie that adventure requires, nee demands, deprivation. Hurt. Pain. The leering threat of death. I mean, where was the story, otherwise?
"Luxury" was what the "other" travelers did. The ones who weren't really experiencing the gristle of life. Yep, in my blinkered adventure-type life, luxury was the antithesis of experience. But I was so very, very wrong and an encroaching fortieth birthday opened up my mind to possibility: luxury without adventure may be dull, worthless, empty fun; but bookend onto adventure some sumptuous luxe - or at the very least a damn fine Shiraz, or perhaps Syrah if trail running in France – and you have an exquisite marriage that may just last into your octogenarian years.
And so the seed was sown. The result is our primo collection of adventure running experiences - tours and events - that are like no other. I make no apologies for the extravagant, whimsical, and wonderful nature of these dreams.
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
I’ve never run trails - do I need to have lots of trail experience?
NO! We welcome all skill levels from beginner to experienced, and indeed we pride ourselves in introducing the addictive nature of running in Mother Nature to those fresh off the bitumen! We can teach you skills and tips and tricks to off-road running that will make you a more than competent trail runner by the tour’s end, and again, there is never any pressure to keep up with more experienced trail runners on tour. You do you at your pace. And our guides will always be there to assist and encourage confidence in the wilderness.
What kind of training do you expect guests to undertake before coming on tour?
As mentioned, we believe if you can do a slow 21km one day, and back up with another 15-21km the next, you can do ANY of our tours. We do suggest regular running for the 3 months prior to the tour – if only because that conditioning will make your experience so much more enjoyable, and you will get better value for your money.
We won’t suggest specific training plans here, as they are different for every individual, but we can after discussing your context, suggest plans and/or we have a network of awesome coaches who can devise specific training plans to you and the tour should you wish.
Can I walk some?
Absolutely. Walking is part of trail running. Even the best of the best (Hi Kilian), walk on trail at some point. Especially when the going gets steep! As one of our regular and best clients, Rob, says: Run when you can, walk when you have to. No dramas.
What if I don’t want to run on a particular day or section – are there flexibilities in terms of judging daily what I can/want to run or not?
In general, yes, although it depends on the tour logistics. For instance, in England, you are never really that far from a village, and so we can organize a taxi if mid route (your cost), or if you want to skip a day or two for a rest, we can arrange for you to go on the luggage bus (no charge). However in the Himalayas of Bhutan, there are no taxis or luggage buses. So, it’d be a rather uncomfortable day on a bony mule’s back! Better to just take your time for the day and walk! All tours are different, but we do make it possible where possible to skip a section or day on trail. Again, no guilt – go and enjoy the next village or camp. Just remember to cheer the runners in at the end of the day. Maybe shout a pint?
Do I need to pay a deposit and is it refundable?
Yes. The deposit is different for each tour but will reserve your spot for a tour and that is non-refundable.
Full payments are due 3 months out from departure dates. Payment plans are possible. If you cancel, you forfeit your deposit.
What happens if I get injured while running on tour?
It depends on context, but injuries on tour do not result in refunds in general. We will do our best to reschedule the tour and find other appropriate activities for you to do (at your cost). We strongly urge you to take out travel insurance for this very reason.
In the event of an injury that forces you off trail, we will discuss with you at the time what the options are and what your preferences are.
Should I get any special insurance?
YES. Travel insurance that covers activities in the wilderness, and if we are going to altitude (above 3000m) check that your insurance covers evacuation including heli. We urge travel cancellation insurance taken out prior to the trip, also, should you need to cancel your trip for reasons on your end.
I have a non-running partner who wants to come – can you accommodate?
YES. Although it depends on context. In general we can work around a non-running partner and suggest activities and visits for them to undertake while we are on trail. For trips like the Coast to Coast, this means travelling ahead each day, but staying with you each night. For somewhere like Bhutan where the trail is remote, it means seeing us off at the trailhead, engaging in activities for our time on trail and travelling alone to then meet us at the trail exit at the end of the running component of the trip. But in somewhere like Bhutan, there is plenty of things to keep your non-running partner amused and engaged for a fabulous trip.
Your tours seem pricey, why is that?
We like to do things properly. We like good food. The odd wine. Good accommodation. And a bit of indulgence. We cut no corners. And we deliver exceptional experiences in exotic locales. We also like safety. The magic sauce in some of that is that these things cost. But we guarantee that you’ll be impressed. You get what you pay for and all that…
I’m a bit picky with my food and/or I have certain intolerances – do you cater?
YES. As much as we can. As always, it’s all about context. General foodie requests (vegetarian, vegan, even to some degree gluten free) can be worked around in most instances. Talk to us and we will always do our best to accommodate, but of course can’t promise to have your half strength, almond milk, turmeric piccolo lukewarm only waiting at that 5000m pass in the Himalayas. We will, however, figure out how to supply donuts, wine and cheese WHEREVER WE ARE!