AUA Running Team Celebrates New Achievements at KARPENISSI TRAIL 2026

On Sunday, 4 October 2026, the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) Running Team participated for the fourth consecutive year in KARPENISSI TRAIL 2026, one of Greece’s leading and most challenging mountain running events.

Students and academic staff from the University took part in all three available race distances—7.3 km, 13 km and 26 km—proudly representing the University in a demanding competitive environment. The challenging mountain trails of Evrytania, characterized by rugged terrain and steep elevation changes, tested the endurance and determination of all participants.

Particular pride and excitement were generated by the outstanding performances of Stamatina Sideri and Asimina Bournia, students in the Department of Biotechnology, who secured first and second place, respectively, in the women’s overall standings in the 7.3 km race, achieving an impressive double victory for the Agricultural University of Athens. Stamatina Sideri also set a new course record.

The event also had an international dimension, with students from the international Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme SUSTAGRI (Master in Cutting-Edge Technologies for a Sustainable Agriculture) taking part in the races. The programme is delivered by three European universities, including the Agricultural University of Athens. The Erasmus students ran alongside members of the AUA Running Team and expressed their enthusiasm for the experience, highlighting that participating in KARPENISSI TRAIL offered an excellent opportunity to discover Greece’s natural environment, experience sport, and engage with university life beyond the lecture halls.

Students from the Department of Forestry and Management of the Natural Environment also participated, together with the Department’s Chair, Professor Georgios Fotiadis. Student Christos Popis achieved an excellent result, securing third place in the men’s 18–39 age category in the 7.3 km race, while also finishing fifth in the men’s overall standings.

Following the races, the AUA delegation visited the Department of Forestry and Management of the Natural Environment in Karpenissi. The Department’s Chair, Professor Georgios Fotiadis, who had actively supported the sporting event, welcomed the runners and gave them an extensive tour of the Department’s facilities, presenting its educational and research activities as part of the Agricultural University of Athens’ academic presence in the region.

The students who took part in the visit expressed their enthusiasm for the educational opportunities offered by the Department and the natural surroundings in which it operates. The visit provided them with a particularly positive experience and a broader understanding of the Agricultural University of Athens’ academic work beyond its main campus in Athens.

The AUA delegation extends its warmest thanks to the Mayor of Karpenissi, Mr Christos Kakavas, and to Ms Christina Sveroni, Deputy Mayor for Social Policy, Solidarity, Welfare, Volunteering, Equality and Education of the Municipality of Karpenissi. Ms Sveroni played a key role in coordinating and organizing the accommodation of the AUA Running Team at the Karpenissi Student Residence, as well as in arranging meals for the participants.

The warm welcome, continuous support and genuine interest she demonstrated throughout the delegation’s stay made a lasting positive impression on all team members and deserve special recognition and sincere appreciation.

Photos and videos from the event are available at the following link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/83rjTWRR9iuNBPtH6