17th edition of the Rodopi Challenge (ROC), the oldest 50-mile race in Greece: an 'introductory' mountain ultra trail held every spring in the Rodopi range by the ROUT Foundation (the non-profit Rodopi Ultra Trail AMKE), created to bridge the gap between mountain marathons and the ROUT Classic 100 Miles, and following the same spirit of solitude and self-reliance. A valid finish qualifies for the ROUT Classic 100 Miles 2027. Registration opens on Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 00:00 via www.rout.gr and is first come, first served until the 300 places are filled; we'll update the page when it opens. Loop course that is part of the ROUT Classic 100 Miles route, starting and finishing at the Erymanthos Forest Village in Haidou, north of Stavroupoli: via Livaditis and the Theologos descent to Prasinada, then through the primeval Bardakova forest to Pangalos (an old army post), Oxia and Silli, back to Prasinada and along the opening trail in reverse to the finish. Start at 05:00 with a 19.5-hour time limit; two intermediate cut-offs, at Pangalos after 10:30 hours and at Prasinada-2 after 13:00 hours, extended only in extreme weather. Open to runners over 20 and up to 75 years old who have finished a mountain race of at least 40 km, or dropped out after km 40 of a mountain race longer than 50 km. The fee is paid by card with the application, so check that you meet the criterion before paying. Three aid stations with fresh and cooked food, including vegan options: Prasinada-1, Pangalos and Prasinada-2. Carry a reusable cup, since drinks are served only into it, and expect 15 checkpoints along the course. Mandatory gear: waterproof jacket, buff, water container, first-aid kit, survival blanket, headlamp, mobile phone and whistle. One drop bag of up to 30 litres, handed in on the eve of the race at 19:00, is taken to Prasinada (available on both passes) and returned to the Forest Village after the race. Outside help is allowed only inside the aid stations; pacers are not allowed. Missing a checkpoint, littering, help outside the stations and pacing lead to disqualification, and using any vehicle means a lifetime ban. The first 10 and the last 20 km also have reflective night marking. No medical certificate is required. Bib pickup in person with ID on Friday, May 7, 2027 from 12:00 to 22:00 and on race day until 04:30; technical briefing on the eve at 19:00, with a detailed email a few days before the race. The entry includes meals before and after the race, food at the aid stations, a souvenir gift, medical support and a finisher medal for runners who finish within the time limit. Cancellations until the close of registration (March 21, 2027) get a 50% refund. No refund if the race is stopped, rerouted or cancelled; if it is moved to another date in 2027 there is no extra charge. Commemorative trophies for the top 3 overall, the top 3 women, the first master man (60+) and master woman (50+) and the first team (at least 4 runners registered under the same team name; team time is the sum of its first 4 finishers). Free camping at the Erymanthos Forest Village, with hotels and shelters in Livaditis, Karyofyto and Stavroupoli. Contact: Ilias Spyridopoulos (elias@rout.gr) and Christos D. Katsanos (katsanos@rout.gr).