Announcement Stratoni – Halkidiki

Announcement Stratoni – Halkidiki

Stratoni Triathlon powered by Hellas Gold 2026 Announcement

On June 6 & 7, 2026, the Stratoni Triathlon powered by Hellas Gold 2026 is coming back, a new triathlon and open water swimming event, included in the WT championships, which will take place at the organized and easily accessible beach of Stratoni in the Municipality of Aristotle, in northeastern Halkidiki. The event has both a sporting and touristic character, aiming to highlight the hosting region and to broadly engage clubs, teams, and individual athletes from all over Greece in the context of Sports Tourism.

The Stratoni Triathlon powered by Hellas Gold is a two-day triathlon event initiated by the Professional Associations of Stratoni and is held under the auspices of the Municipality of Aristotle, with the generous support of Hellas Gold. The event is organized under the auspices of the Hellenic Triathlon Federation (HTF), as it is included in its official calendar, and also under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, as it significantly promotes the tourism offerings of the Municipality of Aristotle both in Greece and abroad.

Date:

Location: Stratoni, Halkidiki

Under the auspices of:

  • The Region of Central Macedonia, Regional Unit of Chalkidiki
  • The Ministry of Culture
  • The Ministry of Tourism
  • The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
  • The Hellenic Triathlon Federation

Sport Events

Saturday, June 6

WSL_Swim

Mandatory Use of Swimming Buoy (Lifebuoy) in All whynot Swimming Races

  • Swim Events (The WSL_1,500m & WSL_3,000m swims are part of the WSL – whynot swimming league)
  • Kids’ swimming 300m (2017 – 2011)
  • Swimming 1,500m (2011 and earlier) – Participants born in 2012 & 2013 are allowed only with a KOE registration card and verified participation in free-style races of +400 meters.
  • Swimming 3,000m (2009 and earlier)

Sunday, June 7

Triathlon Series
(Triathlon events Standard, and Sprint are part of the WTL – whynot triathlon league)

WTL 52 Standard:

  • (Individual – Relay): Swim: 1,500m, Bike: 37km, Run: 10km (2007 and earlier)
  • Bike route (2 loops): Route link (Elevation: 297m)
  • Run route (2 loops): Route link (Elevation: 115m)

WTL 26 Sprint:

  • (Individual – Relay): Swim: 750m, Bike: 22km, Run: 5km (2009 and earlier)
  • Bike route (1 loop): Route link (Elevation: 222m)
  • Run route (1 loop): Route link (Elevation: 57m)

Aquathlon

  • Adults Aquathlon: (16+ years) Swim: 750m, Run: 5km
  • Junior Aquathlon: (6–15 years) Swim: 150m, Run: 1km
  • Age Categories (Men & Women): 16-20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70

Age Categories & Awards

Triathlon (Standard & Sprint are part of the WTL – whynot triathlon league)

  • WTL 52 Standard: (18+ years) – General Men/Women classification and age categories (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, +70)
  • Relay: Men’s/Mixed (all-male teams or mixed male-female teams), Women’s (all-female teams)
  • WTL 26 Sprint: (16+ years) – General Men/Women classification and age categories (16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, +70)
  • Relay: Men’s/Mixed (all-male teams or mixed male-female teams), Women’s (all-female teams)

Aquathlon

Adults Aquathlon: (16+)
Swim: 750m, Run: 5km
Age Groups, Men – Women (16-20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)

Junior Aquathlon : (6 – 15 years old)
Swim: 150m, Run: 1km
There is no overall division in kid’s races
Age Groups, Boys – Girls (6-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13-15)

Swim (WSL_1,500m & WSL_3,000m are part of the WSL – whynot swimming league)

  • General Men/Women classification (No general category for children’s events)
  • Kids 300m: Age categories for Boys & Girls (8-9, 10-12, 13-14)
  • WSL 1,500m: Age categories for Men & Women (*12-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)
  • WSL 3,000m: Age categories for Men & Women (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)

*Participants aged 12 & 13 are allowed only with a KOE registration card and proof of participation in freestyle races of +400 meters.

Important Notes & Contingency Plans

  • Awards:
    • No general category in children’s sports.
    • The first-place finisher in the general category does not compete in their age group classification.
    • Awards are only given if at least three participants complete the category.
    • If a category lacks three finishers, it will merge into the next category, except for age groups 16-19 & 20-24 (Sprint), 18-24 (Standard), and categories 60+.
    • Mergers will only occur upwards. If the last category (55-59) has only one participant, they will still be awarded.
    • Adaptive athletes (disabled athletes) will receive separate awards based on the same classifications.
  • Contingency Plans:
    • In case a race cannot proceed as planned, the organizing committee will follow contingency plans in line with international federation standards.
    • Example: If the swimming segment of a triathlon is canceled, it will be replaced by a run.
  • Wave Starts: (if needed due to high participation)
    • Men & Women: 18-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60+ (Relays start with the last group of the same distance)

Event Schedule

Saturday, June 6

  • 08:00 – 21:00: Registration desk open at Beach Bar Paraty
  • 10:30: WSL 1,500m Swim – Stratoni Beach
  • 10:40: WSL 3,000m Swim – Stratoni Beach
  • 12:15: Kids 300m Swim – Stratoni Beach
  • 12:30: Swimming awards ceremony – Stratoni Beach
  • 20:00: Triathlon & Aquathlon briefing – Beach Bar Paraty

Sunday, June 7

  • 06:30 – 11:00: Registration desk open at Beach Bar Paraty
  • 07:00 – 07:50: Bike check-in
  • 08:00: Standard Triathlon start – Stratoni Beach
  • 08:15: Sprint & Aquathlon start – Stratoni Beach
  • 11:15: Junior Aquathlon start – Stratoni Beach
  • 11:45 – 13:30: Bike check-out (No individual bike pickups before the scheduled time)
  • 12:30: Awards Ceremony

Since the transition zone contains athletes’ equipment, individual athlete movements will not be allowed, and picking up any bike before the designated time will not be permitted. In case of violation, the athlete will be automatically disqualified without having their time recorded.

Course Details

Swim Events

Swim Kids 300m (Loop: 1)
The start will take place in the water. Athletes will swim clockwise around two buoys before finishing under the arch outside the water. The course is triangular.

WSL Swim 1500m (Loop: 1)
The start will take place in the water. The course is 1500m long, completed once (1 loop), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys and two (2) yellow course markers. Athletes will swim clockwise around the first three buoys before reaching the fourth, which marks the end of the course. The finish is outside the water.

WSL Swim 3000m (Loops: 2)
The start will take place in the water. The course is 1500m long and completed twice (2 loops). It consists of four (4) red turning buoys and two (2) yellow course markers. Athletes will swim clockwise around the first three buoys before reaching the fourth, which marks the completion of the first 1500m. They will then repeat the course once more. All turns around the red buoys must be clockwise. The finish is outside the water.

Triathlon Events

WTL 52 Standard (Individual – Relay)

  • Swim: 1500m
  • Bike: 37km
  • Run: 10km

PLAN A: Swim (Loops: 2)
The start will take place in the water. The course is 750m long, completed twice (2 loops), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys. Athletes will swim clockwise around the first three buoys before reaching the starting point again. They will NOT exit the water but will continue the same course by passing the red buoy clockwise again.

PLAN B: Swim (Loops: 2)
The same course on the opposite side (boat ramp).

Bike (Loops: 2)
After exiting the transition zone, athletes will head towards Kryoneri on the Thessaloniki-Ierissos National Road. At 11km, they will reach the first turnaround point, returning at 18.5km to the second turnaround point, where they will start the second loop. After completing both loops, athletes will return to the transition zone by following the reverse route.
Elevation Gain: 297m

Run (Loops: 2)
After exiting the transition zone, athletes will run on a designated beach path for 0.5km before reaching the asphalt road. They will continue around the village following the route markings, then return to the beach, where they will turn around just before the finish arch. They will repeat the same course before finishing.
Elevation Gain: 115m

Cut-Off Times: Swim=0:45h, Swim+Bike = 3:05h

WTL 26 Sprint (Individual – Relay)

  • Swim: 750m
  • Bike: 22km
  • Run: 5km

PLAN A: Swim (Loop: 1)
The start will take place in the water. The course is 750m long, completed once (1 loop), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys. Athletes will swim clockwise around the first three buoys before reaching the fourth, which marks the end of the course.

PLAN B: Swim (Loop: 1)
The same course on the opposite side (boat ramp).

Bike (Loop: 1)
After exiting the transition zone, athletes will head towards Kryoneri on the Thessaloniki-Ierissos National Road. At 11km, they will reach the turnaround point and return to the transition zone by following the reverse route.
Elevation Gain: 222m

Run (Loop: 1)
After exiting the transition zone, athletes will run on a designated beach path for 0.5km before reaching the asphalt road. They will continue around the village following the route markings, then return to the beach, where they will finish.
Elevation Gain: 57m

Cut-Off Times: Swim= 0:30h  –  Swim + Bike = 1:50h

ADULT AQUATHLON

PLAN A: Swim (Loop: 1)
The start will take place in the water. The course is 750m long, completed once (1 loop), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys. Athletes will swim clockwise around the first three buoys before reaching the fourth, which marks the end of the course.

PLAN B: Swim (Loop: 1)
The same course on the opposite side (boat ramp).

Run (Loop: 1)
After exiting the transition zone, athletes will run on a designated beach path for 0.5km before reaching the asphalt road. They will continue around the village following the route markings, then return to the beach, where they will finish.

JUNIOR AQUATHLON

Swim 150m (Loop: 1)
The start will take place in the water. Athletes will swim clockwise around two buoys before finishing under the arch outside the water. The course is triangular.

Run 1km (Loop: 1)
After exiting the transition zone, athletes will run on a designated beach path, reach the turnaround point at 500m, and return to the beach, where they will finish.

Required Documents

The documents should be sent to the email: contact@why-n.gr, at least 2 days before the competition.
In case of late submission of documents, your application will remain pending at the secretariat until the documents are presented. 

Without the submission of the necessary documents, your registration will be canceled

To collect your participation package, you must present the following at the Registration Area

  1. A valid photo identification document (ID card, driver’s license, Press ID card, etc.).
  2. If you haven’t already provided it, a valid medical certificate from a general practitioner (pathologist or cardiologist).
  3. The registration package can only be collected strictly in person. Collection by proxy is not permitted

Triathlon – Aquathlon – Multisports:

Individual: Recognized federation valid Athlete ID or Medical certificate specifying that the athlete can participate on sport events and races + *Day Pass (€10) from TOE is required.
*If you are a resident abroad, you do not need to pay for a Day Pass.

Team: TOE card or other recognized federation card for each athlete. If there is no card, a Health Card for each athlete + one *Day Pass (€10) per team from TOE is required.
*If you are a resident abroad, you do not need to pay for a Day Pass.

 

General Rules – Terms

In case of cancellation or postponement of an event – race (part or whole) the cost is non-refundable. Participation can be transferred to one of the upcoming competitions of the organization within the year. Only in the case of cancellation of the last event of the year, participation can be transferred to the next year.

If an athlete is unable to attend the event – race, their participation cannot be transferred to another event or another athlete, and the cost is non-refundable. A transfer to another event is only possible in the case of a documented (medical certificate) illness or injury occurring close to the race date, which prevents participation, and only if a corresponding race is available within the same year.

 In the event of a change in race category, any difference in the participation fee must be paid.
If the difference is negative, no refund is provided.

Race Officials:

  • Safety Officer: Panagiotis Rotas
  • Race Doctor: TBA
  • Lifeguard Company: Lifeguard Hellas
  • Race Technical Director: TBA

 

Competition Rules and Athlete Guidelines for Triathlon

Event Regulations

The competitions will be conducted according to the World Triathlon Competition Rules.

For the cycling segment, the regulations of the Hellenic Cycling Federation apply regarding race execution and participant equipment.

The schedule is subject to change based on race-specific requirements. The Technical Committee Representative and the Race Director are responsible for finalizing the schedule and addressing any matters not covered in this announcement.

Triathlon Rules

All races will follow the regulations of the World Triathlon (World Triathlon Competition Rules 2023 or later). Any deviations will require approval from the Technical Officials.

Important Technical Notes

  • The Race Jury will make immediate decisions on any issues not covered by the following rules or the general rules of Hellenic Triathlon Federation and World Triathlon.
  • Minors must have a guardian’s signed consent form to participate.
  • Water temperature will be announced in advance to determine whether wetsuits are allowed. If used, the maximum thickness is 4mm.
  • Pre-race check-in: Athletes must undergo a gear inspection by officials before entering the transition zone. A photograph will be taken of each athlete in their race suit with their bike.
  • Check-in procedure:
    • Helmet must be worn and securely fastened.
    • Bike must be ready for inspection.
    • Stickers must be properly placed.
    • Timing chip must be worn.
  • Swimming segment: Athletes must wear the official swim cap provided by the event.
  • Cycling segment:
    • A helmet is mandatory at all times while handling the bike, even when walking.
    • The event follows non-drafting rules – maintain 12 meters between bikes (10 meters clear). Drafting penalties: 2 minutes in the penalty box.
    • Overtaking must be completed within 20 seconds, and the overtaken athlete must reduce speed. Always announce your intention to pass.
    • Athletes cannot support themselves on other competitors, vehicles, or fixed objects to change direction.
    • Traffic rules (K.O.K.) must be followed. Crossing the double center line leads to immediate disqualification.
    • No headphones or audio devices allowed for safety.
  • Race attire:
    • The upper body must be covered during cycling and running for all categories.
    • Triathlon suits should follow World Triathlon guidelines.
  • Race number placement:
    • Running segment: Number must be visible at the front.
    • Cycling segment: Not required for Age Group Athletes.
    • Race belts are not provided by the organizers.
  • Timing chip: Must be worn around the left ankle using the provided strap.
  • Race stickers:
    • Small sticker on the front of the helmet.
    • Small sticker on the provided bag.
    • Large sticker on the bike seat post. If unsure, seek advice from an experienced athlete.
  • Transition area:
    • Each athlete has a designated basket and must not relocate it.
    • All gear must be stored inside the basket.
    • Helmet must be placed on the bike’s handlebars, unfastened (penalty: 15 seconds otherwise).
    • Keep the transition area clean – disorganized gear leads to disqualification.
    • Only one pair of shoes can be placed in front of the basket.
  • Bike regulations:
    • In the sprint distance, all bike types are allowed if deemed safe.
    • In the standard distance, only road or time trial bikes approved by World Triathlon or UCI are permitted.
    • Disc brakes are allowed in all categories.
  • Penalty enforcement:
    • Failure to serve time in the penalty box results in disqualification.
    • Athletes are responsible for knowing the course, laps, turn points, and penalties.
    • Check the penalty box board for any assigned penalties.
    • Non-compliance with race officials’ instructions leads to disqualification.
  • Cut-off times apply for standard distances, as detailed on each event’s page. After the time limit, athletes continue at their own risk, and their inclusion in official results is at the discretion of the organizers.
  • Start procedure: The race begins after the command “Take your marks” followed by a single horn blast. If no repeated horns sound, the start is valid and will not be repeated.
  • Bike mounting/dismounting:
    • Mount only beyond the mount line.
    • Dismount before the dismount line.
    • No cycling in the transition area.
  • Technical briefing attendance is mandatory for final instructions and clarifications.
  • Action cameras on bikes are allowed only with race referee approval.

Relay Race Specific Rules

  • The timing chip serves as the relay baton. A team finishing without the chip is disqualified.
  • Relay exchanges (swim to bike & bike to run) must occur next to the team’s bike in the transition area, with the timing chip transferred to the next athlete’s left ankle.
  • Swimmer: Places a small race sticker on the team bag, which is transported separately if the swim start is far from transition.
  • Cyclist:
    • Must have a small sticker on the front of their helmet and a large sticker on the bike seat post.
    • No bike number = disqualification.
    • No riding in the transition area.
  • Runner:
    • Wears the race bib at the front and must finish with it.
    • The cyclist does not need a bib.
    • Race belts are not provided.

Athlete Benefits

  • Technical Briefing
  • Safety support
  • Digital race course maps
  • Official race T-shirt
  • Awards ceremony
  • Finisher medals
  • Memorabilia medal for all finishers
  • Goodie bag
  • Surprise gifts
  • Wristband
  • Live electronic timing & results on the event website
  • Official swim cap
  • Race numbers
  • Water, isotonic drinks, and energy gels during the race
  • Juice, banana, and water post-race
  • Discounts for clubs, families, schools, unemployed athletes, and free entry for athletes with disabilities
  • Professional race photography

Further Information

For any questions or clarifications, contact:
contact@why-n.gr
+30 210-9830680

Event Announcement Changes

The organizers reserve the right to modify this announcement and will notify participants of any updates.

More details and registration will be available soon at www.why-n.gr.