"Issoria Artemis"- Dolichos Dromos Race
The road race "Issoria Artemis-Agonistikos Dolichos Dromos" took place for the first time in 2018, and since then, it has developed into an institution. The event’s purpose is to highlight the values of sports and exercise. The sporting event includes a route of 50 stages (9,613.5 metres), starting from the port of the historic village of Skoutari and ending at the port of the coastal village of Kotronas.
During antiquity, the dolichos was a semi-endurance road race (7 to 24 stages) which was also introduced to the ancient Olympic Games in 720 BC. (15th Olympiad). The word "dolichos" means "long", hence the word "endelechis (detailed)".
The history of the region of Laconia, which is referred to as ancient Tefthroni (today's Kotronas village), is connected with the worship of the goddess Artemis under the name of "Issoria Artemis". There are also archaeological findings which demonstrate the possible existence of a large temple of Doric style. Finally, the goddess’ worship is also mentioned in Sparta, with a temple on Mount "Issorio".