whynot legacy - Messolonghi
25 - 26 APRIL 2026
WTL.52 Standard
WTL.26 Sprint
WSL SWIM 3km | 1.5km | kids 300m
Lagoon Run 10km | 5km | kids 1.5km
We are pleased to announce the organization of a triathlon event with the following distances: Middle (Half), Standard & Sprint. The historic Municipality of Messolonghi, in collaboration with the company whynot, is organizing the athletic event WTL Messolonghi Legacy on April 25 & 26. The sports event includes two sub-sports events. On Saturday, April 25, swimming & Running competitions will take place, and on Sunday, April 26, triathlon races will be held. We invite all athletes to participate in this unique experience and discover the beauties of the area.
The region of Messolonghi offers a captivating setting and a unique experience for visitors. We encourage participants to come with their families and friends to enjoy the local culture and hospitality.
Under the auspices of
- the Region of Western Greece
- the Regional Unit of Aetolia-Acarnania
- the Ministry of Culture
- the Ministry of Tourism
- the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT)
- the TOE
Messolonghi – “The Sacred City”
200 Years Since the Exodus (1826–2026)
Messolonghi, known as the “Sacred City” of Greece, commemorates in 2026 the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of 1826, one of the most dramatic and defining events of the Greek War of Independence.
With deep respect for history and the sacrifice of the fighters, the city is organizing a rich program of anniversary events that will take place throughout the entire year. These events include cultural activities, historical reenactments, concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and educational programs, honoring the memory of the heroes while highlighting the significance of their sacrifice for the freedom of Greece.
Below you can find the full program of events.
Races info
Calendar / Schedule
Friday April 24
17.00 – 21.00: Registration services in THEOXENIA HOTEL
Saturday April 25
08.00 – 21.00: Registration services in THEOXENIA HOTEL
10.30 : WSL_1.500m at Tourlida beach.
10.40 : WSL_3.000mat Tourlida beach.
12.15 : Swim Kids 300m at Tourlida beach.
12.30: Award ceremonies for Swimming Races at Tourlida beach.
17.00: Lagoon kids Run 1.5km, Tourlida beach
17.20: Lagoon Run 5km Tourlida beach
17.30: Lagoon Run 10km, Tourlida beach
18.45: Award ceremonies for running Races at Tourlida beach
19.30: Triathlon Briefing at 2nd High School of Messolonghi
Sunday April 26
06.30 – 11.00: Registration services in Tourlida Seaside
06.45 – 07.35: Bike check in for all races
07.45: Start WTL.113 Middle (Half) distance
08.15: Start WTL.52 Standard_Less
08.20: Start WTL.26 Sprint_Plus
13.00 – 13.30: (Estimated time) Bike check out for all races exept WTL.113**
13.30 – 16.30: (Estimated time) Bike check out for WTL.113**
15.30: (Estimated time) Award ceremonies at the finish area
** Due to the fact the transition zone contains important athletes’ assets, finishers’ presence will not be allowed, and of course no bikes will be taken before the designated time. In case of violation of the above, athletes are automatically disqualified.
Age Groups & Races
Saturday April 25
Swim Events
Men-Women’s General Category
Mandatory Use of Swimming Buoy (Lifebuoy) in All whynot Swimming Races
(Does not apply to the triathlon and Aquathlon races.)
Swim kids 300m : (8-14 years old)
Age Groups Boys – Girls (8-9, 10-12, 13-14)
WSL Swim 1.5km : (14+)
Age Groups Men – Women (*12–19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)
* Athletes 12 & 13 years old will also be allowed in case of swimming athletes with proven races on free style and for +400 meters
WSL Swim 3km : (16+)
Age Groups Men – Women (16–19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)
WetSuit Swim 1.5km : (14+)
Age Groups Men – Women: (up 39, +40)
WetSuit Swim 13km : (16+)
Age Groups Men – Women: (up 39, +40)
Messolonghi Lagoon Run
Men-Women’s General Category
Lagoon Run 10km: (16+)
Age Categories for Men – Women (16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,+70)
Lagoon Run 5km: (16+)
Age Categories for Men – Women (16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,+70)
Lagoon Run Kids 1.5km: (6-16 years old)
Age Categories for Boys – Girls ( 6-9,10-12, 13-14, 15-16)
Contingency plans
Due to various unpredictable situations, a race may not be executed as planned. In this case, the organizing committee executes the race based on alternative emergency plans (Contingency plans), provided by the international federation. For example, if the swimming leg of a triathlon cannot be performed, then swimming is replaced by running.
Important note: in case of alternative contingency plans being implemented in a league race, the scoring applies as normal and it is calculated in the same way – based on time.
Sunday April 26
Triathlon
(Individual – Relay) (18+)
Swim: 1.9km, bike: 90km, run: 21km
Age Groups, Men – Women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50 -54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, +70)
Relay: Men/mixed (teams either by men or mixed men-women), Women (only women) and Corporate.
(Individual – Relay) (18+)
Swim: 1.5km, bike: 30km, run: 10.5km
Age Groups, Men – Women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50 -54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, +70)
Relay: Men/mixed (teams either by men or mixed men-women), Women (only women) and Corporate.
(Individual – Relay) (16+)
Swim: 750m, bike: 30km, run: 5km,
Age Groups, Men – Women (+16-19, 20-24, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50 -54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, +70)
Relay: Men/mixed (teams either by men or mixed men-women), Women (only women) and Corporate.
Important Comments – Awards
- There is no Overall category in childrens’ events.
- The First overall athlete will not be awarded inhis/hers age category.
- If there are no at least three athletes per age group, then merging will apply.
- There will not be any merging for the following age roup categories: +16-19 & 20-24 sprint distance and 18-24 Standard distance as well as the over 60.
- .For athletes with disabilities, separate awarding categories aplly. etc.).
Messolonghi
Messolonghi (officially, the Holy City of Messolonghi) is the capital of the regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania. It is located in the southern part of the region, between the rivers Achelous and Evinos, approximately 35 kilometers from Agrinio and 37 kilometers from Antirrion.
It is a historic municipality as the city played a significant role in some of the most dramatic moments of the Greek Revolution of 1821, particularly the two sieges and the Exodus of Messolonghi.
After a year of continuous attacks and famine, the residents of Messolonghi decided to execute a sortie from the city on the night of April 10, 1826, an event famously known as the “Exodus of Messolonghi.” At that time, the population of the city was 10,500, of which 3,500 were armed. Few Messolonghites survived the Exodus. Due to the heroic stance of the people of Messolonghi, the city was honored with the title of the Holy City, a unique designation in Greece.
The well-known Philhellene English poet Lord Byron, who supported the Greek struggle for liberation, died in the city in 1824. There is a reference to him in a cenotaph that contains his heart.
Messolonghi is also famous for its fishery products, especially its bottarga, as the adjacent lagoon is an ideal place for aquaculture.
The lagoon, with its picturesque “pelades” – small wooden houses on stilts in the water – is protected by the well-known RAMSAR treaty and forms an environmental park and ecosystem.
The name Messolonghi was first mentioned by a Venetian who described the Battle of Lepanto near Nafpaktos. Several historical sources suggest that the name Messolonghi comes from the combination of two Italian words, MEZZO/MESSO and LAGHI, which means “a place amidst lakes” or “a place surrounded by lakes.” Until 1700, the city was under Venetian occupation, and its inhabitants were mostly fishermen.
source: messolonghi.gov.gr
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