This year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of the SYMPOLEIA OLYMPIAS AMKE’s three-day celebration in Elis for the “Road of Truce 2025,” which concluded on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Runners from across Greece and 24 other nations—including Albania, Venezuela, Brazil, the UK, France, Zambia, India, Spain, Italy, China, Lebanon, Moldova, Bhutan, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey, the Philippines, Chile, and Hong Kong—joined in to send a message of peace.

The “Road of Truce 2025” followed the Ecotourism Route from Elis to Olympia, emphasizing a non-competitive spirit. Participants who completed the 50 km path were awarded unique, numbered medals.

Leading this year’s peaceful procession were Alexis Xydis, representing the volunteers of the Samaritan Corps, and Kostas Chatzis, a long-time participant who travels from the Netherlands each year to take part. Their commitment highlights the dedication of volunteers who provide essential support along the route.

Dignitaries present included Theodoros Vasilopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor, and other officials from local municipalities, as well as notable athletes like ultra-runner Yiannis Kourous and Olympic medalist George Tzelilis.

As the runners made their way through picturesque villages—Daphne, Keramidias, Dafniotissa, and more—local volunteers exemplified the spirit of hospitality, offering traditional delicacies along the journey.

The events kicked off on Friday afternoon in Ancient Pisa with the Cleosthenes Road, a symbolic 5 km race honoring the ancient king who, along with Iphitus of Elis and Lycurgus of Sparta, established the truce. The race featured a special guest appearance from world-record-holding swimmer Spyros Chryssikopoulos, who set an inspiring example for participants.

Among the top finishers in the women’s category were Konstantina Tsoukala and Dechen Tshomo, while the men’s leaderboard was led by Georgios Konstantaras.

A special ceremony was held for the “Road of Iphitus,” which took place on Saturday afternoon, dedicated to the king of Elis, another pivotal figure in the establishment of the Olympic Truce. This race engaged primary and middle school students in a fun, nearly 2-kilometer course, igniting a passion for athletics among the youth.

During the opening ceremony, Sophia Hintziou-Kontogianni, president of SYMPOLEIA OLYMPIAS AMKE, emphasized the ongoing relevance of the Olympic Truce, urging attendees to remember what unites us rather than what divides us.

The Mayor of Elis, Christos Christodoulopoulos, also expressed gratitude towards the organizers and competitors while underlining the universal importance of the Olympic Truce, announcing plans to bid for the 2027 World Children’s Games in collaboration with Ancient Olympia.

The three-day event closed with a vibrant concert that energized attendees with traditional music and dance, celebrating the spirit of the Road of Truce and the values it represents.

As the legacy of peace continues, the “Path of Truce” stands as a beacon for future generations, reminding us of the importance of unity and respect in our shared journey toward a better world.

Next on the agenda for the SYMPOLEIA OLYMPIAS is an art exhibition and awards ceremony scheduled for May 28 at the War Museum in Athens.

Runners from 25 countries showcased their commitment to peace and unity in the spirit of the ancient Olympic ideals.