Pella Half Marathon – Road of Sacrifice. Honoring History, Running in the Present.

There are races that measure mere kilometers, and then there are races that measure steps of honor and memory. The Pella Half Marathon, also known as the Giannitsa Road of Sacrifice, belongs to the latter category. Every September, the Municipality of Pella, in collaboration with the Giannitsa Marathon Team and EAS SEGAS, organizes one of the most significant sporting and cultural events in the region.

The race is dedicated to the memory of the 120 citizens of Giannitsa who were executed on 14 September 1944. Each step the runners take is a tribute, transforming the city streets and country roads into a living journey of history and the sporting ideal.

The Races – An Event for Everyone

The event unites all generations and physical conditions, offering three different routes:

1. Pella Half Marathon (21.1 km) The main route and one of the most well-organized in Central Macedonia.

• The Route: The race starts from the historic pedestrian street of Giannitsa, in front of the War Museum. Runners cross the city center, pass by Philippio Hill and the Macedonian Struggle Monument, and then run a beautiful, flat route through the picturesque villages of Ampelies, Neo Mylotopo and Axos, before returning for a spectacular finish at the starting point.
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• Certification: The course is officially measured by the IAAF/AIMS, ensuring the validity of your performance.

2. Road 5.5 km. “Vangelis Vrontzos” A route for dynamic walking or free running, ideal for those who want to actively participate in Memorial Day without the pressure of a half marathon.

3. Children’s Road 1000 m. Our little friends, elementary school students, run and walk a symbolic distance, learning the value of participation and historical memory.

An Experience Beyond the Race

The event is renowned for its excellent facilities, which guarantee a comfortable and safe experience for every athlete:

• Full Support: At the start area there are changing rooms, WC, medical and physiotherapy coverage.
• Excellent Nutrition: Dense stations with water and isotonic drinks along the entire route.
• Storage: Secure storage space for your personal belongings.
• Prizes & Medals: All runners who finish receive a commemorative medal and diploma, while the winners of the categories are awarded with cups and special medals.

Your Experience Continues with Visit Pella

Let Pella Half Marathon become the reason to get to know a place with unparalleled history and beauty. After the race, visit the archaeological site of ancient Pella, the capital of the Macedonian kingdom, discover the waterfalls of Edessa or relax in the Loutra Pozar. The Visit Pella page is your personal guide on this trip, offering ideas and all the information you need to plan a getaway full of emotion, culture and new experiences.