North Olympus Trail — Vrontou 2025: Running Where Myths Still Breathe

There are mornings on Mount Olympus when time feels elastic — stretched between cloud and pine, heartbeat and echo. The North Olympus Trail in Vrontou is one of those places where endurance meets reverence: runners, locals, and mountains all part of the same rhythm.

The trail passes by Agia Triada, where runners greet the morning light rising over North Olympus.

This short documentary was filmed voluntarily — not as an assignment, but as an instinct. I wanted to capture the living breath of a mountain race: the raw sound of feet on dirt, the quiet pride at the finish line, the laughter of the organizing team beneath the peaks of Pieria.

About the Race

The North Olympus Trail takes place each year in Vrontou, Pieria — a mountain village nestled at the northern foot of Mount Olympus. Organized by the Vrontous Mountaineering Club (Ε.Ο.Σ. Βροντούς), the event connects modern trail running with the ancient spirit of the mountain. It’s not just a race — it’s a meeting of endurance, community, and nature.

Each edition includes routes that blend forest paths, steep ascents, and views that test both lungs and soul. Runners can choose among several categories, suitable for both experienced mountain athletes and those discovering Olympus trails for the first time.

2025 Race Results & Highlights

The 7th North Olympus Trail Vrontou 2025 brought together remarkable athletes and pure mountain spirit on the northeastern slopes of Mount Olympus — a 21 km route with 1,250 meters of elevation gain.

Vasileios Balamotis of Salomon Hellas was crowned the overall winner, completing the course in an impressive 2:01:00. His performance reflected both precision and power — a professional athlete moving in full harmony with the terrain.

Second place went to Anargyros Roussos with a time of 2:07:00, followed closely by Giorgos Brizis in 2:07:29.

Among the women, Dimitra Bika claimed first place with a time of 2:18:01 — also ranking fifth overall. Konstantina Boskopoulou followed in 2:23:37 (7th overall), while Chrysoula Vlissarouli secured third place with 2:41:24 (16th overall).

Full official results can be viewed on SMF Sports.

A few meters before the finish — breath, dust, and applause blending into one sound.

The Spirit of the Event

In the heart of Vrontou, the Vrontous Mountaineering Club continues a tradition that began decades ago — connecting people to the mountain through sport, care, and community. Every race is a reunion: hikers, athletes, and volunteers forming a circle of quiet resilience.

There were moments I didn’t film — on purpose. A hand on a shoulder. A child clapping for a parent. These are the quiet corners of every real story, the ones that teach you that mountain running is not about speed — it’s about presence.

Giannis Gakis, president of the Vrontou Mountaineering Club, congratulating Vasileios Balamotis — a gesture that sums up the spirit of the event.

Trophies set before the peaks — simple symbols of shared achievement under the mountain’s gaze.

How to Join

Registrations for the North Olympus Trail are opening online every year through the official channels of EOS Vrontous. Participation is open to both Greek and international runners. Safety, hydration points, and post-race support are provided by local volunteers and the Pieria mountain rescue team.

If you’re an athlete or outdoor enthusiast traveling to Pieria, you can combine your race with exploring Olympus National Park or plan your stay through our curated list of authentic local stays:
See recommended accommodations.

If you own a guesthouse, mountain lodge, or retreat space in Pieria that offers quality stays for travelers seeking experiences — you’re welcome to invite us to discover what you offer and perhaps be featured in our exclusive selection at Experience Pieria.

The place and the people — Vrontou at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Watch the video, feel the rhythm of real life on Olympus, and remember: in every finish line, there’s a beginning waiting quietly behind it.

Every trophy tells a story of endurance — and gratitude.

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Giorgos Gizelis

Travel Writer & Founder of
Experience Pieria

Exploring Pieria & Greece one story at a time — sharing authentic places, people, and tastes.

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