Under stormy skies but with warm smiles and olive branches in hand, young priestesses welcomed participants of the “Iniochos 2025” Air Exercise on Saturday morning at the premises of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Ancient Olympia. More than 400 air force personnel from 15 countries took part in the “Kleosthenes Run”, a symbolic 5-kilometer route from Ancient Pisa to Ancient Olympia, retracing the steps of history and honoring the Olympic Truce.

A Tribute to the Olympic Truce

The “Iniochos 2025” exercise, hosted at the Andravida Air Base, brings together air forces from Greece, France, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, India, Spain, Israel, Italy, Qatar, Montenegro, Poland, Slovenia, Cyprus, Slovakia, and Bahrain (as an observer nation).

This year’s “Truce Run” was dedicated to King Kleosthenes of Pisa, one of the three rulers—alongside King Iphitos of Elis and King Lycurgus of Sparta—who signed the ancient Olympic Truce Treaty, ensuring that wars ceased during the Olympic Games. Pisa, the first host city of the ancient Olympic Games, played a pivotal role in shaping the ideals of fair competition and peace.

Olympia’s Legacy Lives On

Accepting the invitation of the “Iniochos” organizers, the Olympia Confederation, in collaboration with the Hellenic Armed Forces Sports Association (ASAED), the Municipality of Ancient Olympia, and the local community of Ancient Pisa, once again coordinated this meaningful event. Their goal? To promote the core values of the Olympics, with a special emphasis on peace and unity.

Sofoklis Sofianopoulos, President of the Local Community of Pisa, welcomed the participants, expressing gratitude to the organizers and the commander of the Hellenic Air Tactics Center (KEAT) for choosing Pisa as the starting point.

Konstantinos Kontoyiannis, Secretary of the Olympia Confederation, spoke about the relevance of the Olympic Truce in modern times, emphasizing how the Olympia Confederation strives to bridge the past with the present, keeping the Olympic Spirit alive.

A Ceremony Steeped in Symbolism

During the closing ceremony, Sophia Hintziou-Kontoyianni, President of the Olympia Confederation, honored Brigadier General Georgios Petrou, the commander of KEAT, with an olive branch sculpture crafted by renowned sculptor Angelos Panayiotidis. In return, Brigadier General Petrou presented the Olympia Confederation with the official “Iniochos” emblem.

The event concluded in a deeply symbolic gesture—young priestesses from the “En Choro” dance group of Zacharo performed a ceremonial dance before initiating the run. At the finish line, within the historic grounds of the International Olympic Academy, each runner was awarded a branch of wild olive and a commemorative medal, a timeless token of honor and respect.

Upcoming Events: Truce Run 2025

The “Truce Run” is part of the annual events organized by the Olympia Confederation, celebrating the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games. This year’s program includes:

Friday, April 25, 2025 – 17:00
“Kleosthenes Run” (5km – Pisa to Ancient Olympia)

Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 16:30
“Iphitos Run” (2km children’s race – Elis)

Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 17:00
Opening Ceremony of the Truce Run 2025

Sunday, April 27, 2025 – 05:45