EVENT INFORMATION AND TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

The Municipality of Polygyros, Halkidiki, is organizing the 1st swimming event “CHOLOMON MOUNTAIN ICE SWIMMING EVENT 2025” at the facilities of “Apolimeni Petra” in Taxiarchis, Halkidiki. The event aims to promote and spread the benefits of winter swimming and highlight the natural beauty of the region. The event is being carried out in collaboration with the Halkidiki Runners’ Health Club, the Halkidiki Walkers and Runners Club “Ypsizonos,” with the support of the Halkidiki Tourism Organization, the Reserve Armed Forces Club of Halkidiki, the Hellenic Police Athletic Association - Northern Greece Branch, the Volunteer Registry of the Municipality of Polygyros, the Youth of Polygyros, the Taxiarchi Women’s Association, the cultural club of Taxiarchis and its Youth Association, the Polygyros Dance Group, as well as other local organizations, clubs, and businesses from the area.

The event will include the following:

  • 1 An educational seminar and discussion on swimming in cold water.
  • 2 A hands-on water adaptation seminar.
  • 3 A hiking route on Mount Cholomon.
  • 4 The ice swimming event.

Terms of Participation

EVENT DATES

  • - The educational seminar, water adaptation workshop, and hiking route will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
  • - The ice swimming event will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

  • - The educational seminar and the hike are open to all ages.
  • - The hands-on water seminar and ice swimming event are for adults only.

REGISTRATION

  • Registration for the swimming event will be conducted online. All necessary details must be provided to confirm the participation application. The application form is available on the website https://iceswimming.gr/.
  • The application must be accompanied by the attached declaration form. If participants face difficulties completing and sending the form online or require more time for medical examinations, they may fill it out upon arrival, before the event starts on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
  • A limited number of registrations may be accepted one hour before the seminar starts, provided there is availability. The deadline for submitting online applications is February 9, 2025.
  • During or after registration, organizers may request additional identification details (e.g., a copy of an ID card) to verify participants’ information if there is doubt about its accuracy.

PARTICIPATION FEE

  • The participation fee for the event is €15 per person.

BENEFITS

Each participant will receive:

  • A souvenir backpack with local products.
  • A t-shirt and cap.
  • Medical coverage and support from rescue teams and vehicles.
  • A commemorative medal.
  • A certificate of participation/attendance for the educational seminar.

PACKAGE COLLECTION

  • Packages can be collected Saturday at 12:30, after the educational seminar, or on Sunday between 09:00-10:30, before the swimming event from the designated registration area.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • Award ceremonies will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 12:00, after the swimming event. All swimmers will be presented with a commemorative medal.

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND INFORMATION

1 All participants must undergo a recent medical check-up and sign the relevant declaration form in the application, taking full responsibility for any medical incidents during the event. Organizers bear no liability for health issues due to the lack of prior medical examination.

2 Registration is limited to 50 participants. Once the maximum number is reached, registrations will close.

3 Cancellation requests should be sent via email to geomathas@gmail.com by February 9, 2025, including the participant’s name and intent to cancel.

4 Participants are expected to respect nature and refrain from littering, especially during the hike.

5 Participants must follow the organizers’ instructions; otherwise, their participation may be revoked.

PERSONAL ITEMS MANAGEMENT – CHANGING AREAS – RESTROOMS

  • Personal items will be stored by volunteers in the courtyard of “Apolimeni Petra.” For safety reasons, valuables such as mobile phones or money are not allowed, and organizers will not be responsible for any loss.
  • Restrooms will be available nearby, adhering to hygiene and safety measures.

VENUE

  • The multipurpose venue “Apolimeni Petra” in Taxiarchis will host Greece’s first “Ice Swimming” event. It is located at the 65th kilometer of the Old Thessaloniki-Arnaia Highway, 4.2 kilometers from Taxiarchis village and 14 kilometers from Polygyros, Halkidiki. The venue offers complete accommodation and dining services.
  • By completing the registration form, participants consent to the free use of their name and image by organizers, media, and sponsors.

RIGHTS TO MODIFY OR POSTPONE THE EVENT

  • For reasons of force majeure (e.g., storms, fires, pandemics), organizers retain the right to cancel, postpone, change the event dates, adjust the starting time, or amend the terms as deemed necessary for the safe and smooth conduct of the event.

Last updated: Jan 16, 2025