Crete Half Marathon organizer Angela Mathioudaki to welcome 6,000 runners on October 4
The Crete Half Marathon returns on Sunday, October 4, with organizers expecting about 6,000 athletes from 52 countries, according to Angela Mathioudaki, the event’s organizer and a widely known Cretan grandmother recognized for her humorous social media videos.
Mathioudaki spoke to ERTnews on the programme “Savvatokyriako apo tis 5,” describing her involvement in the marathon and the viral videos that have made her a familiar face across Greece. Asked about her initial reaction when first invited to appear in the videos, she said she agreed “straight away, with no hesitation.”
She added that the popularity of the grandmothers’ videos has spread well beyond Greece, saying, “I’m famous anyway!”
Races and expected turnout
Races will begin on the morning of October 4 and include the half marathon along with 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre runs, a children’s race, and a race for people with disabilities. Organizers expect around 6,000 athletes, alongside thousands of additional visitors and spectators who are likely to travel to the area for the event.
Mathioudaki said organizers are preparing to welcome “about 6,000 guests, as we say here in Crete,” adding that visitors are expected to experience both the race and Cretan hospitality.
Traditional food and welcome
About ten cultural associations from villages in the area will offer traditional Cretan dishes so that participants can sample local flavours. For visitors seeking similar cultural encounters, Crete offers a range of experiences throughout the year.
Mathioudaki will play a central role in welcoming runners, saying she has prepared hundreds of traditional baskets of cheese and will stand at the entrance of the exhibition venue to greet athletes and visitors. “I take at least 3,000 photos,” she said, describing her role at the event. Mathioudaki is not limited to greeting participants, however, as she is also entered in the 5-kilometre race herself.
Following the races, organizers plan a traditional Cretan celebration with food, dancing and hospitality. The celebration reflects a broader season of local food gatherings across Crete, following events such as the Cretan Cooking Festival 2026 in Agios Nikolaos. Mathioudaki said she looks forward to meeting the thousands of runners and visitors expected to gather in Crete on October 4, in an event organizers describe as combining sport with tradition, humour and Cretan hospitality.
