NAME:
NIKOS KALOFIRIS

DISCIPLINE:
TRAIL RUNNING

HOMETOWN:
ANILIO, METSOVO

CURRENTLY LIVING:
METSOVO

BIRTHDATE:
21/10/1970

Short bio, few words that define you as an athlete and as a person:

The first running race was in 1983. From 1988 to 2008 I was a member of the national cross country skiing team, I participated in the Lillehammer Olympics in 1994, in many World Championships and many international races. Three times I was 1st in the Balkans at 50km. In 1998 I officially participated in mountain races (Mountaineering Marathon Olympus) and since then every year I participate in the most important races in my country and abroad with many distinctions (three consecutive appearances on the podium at UTMB -CCC 2nd-2009, 3rd 2010 and 2011, 3rd at the SoluKhumbuTrail Nepal in 2010).
Last big race I participated in the Grossglockner Ultra Trail where in the team we won the 2nd place with Dimitris Eleftheriou. Since 2013 I am the organizer of the Ursa Trail race in Metsovo.
Mountains are my life.

When did you first start your discipline?

As I mentioned above in 1998.

What do you most enjoy about your sport?

The opportunity I have to be in the mountain natural environment.

What are your hobbies, profession outside of your sport?

My hobbies are cross-country skiing and alpine skiing, exploring and maintaining old trails. My profession is firefighter.

Who or what inspires you?

The cycle of life in nature while it seems to be eternal at the same time every moment is changed and reborn. And we are part of this cycle and if we understand that the greatest gift we have is our existence then we are grateful for every moment we live.

Describe your perfect day:

A great crossing and stay in nature with my family for many days.

Achievements & future projects:

  • The greatest achievement after so many years in 1983 that ignited the flame of sports is that I still continue with the same passion and the same joy. To continue this whole process for many more years.
  • The Ursa Trail race started in May 2013 with the start and finish of Metsovo on a certified roundabout. In the first year the length was 36km, then it was upgraded and now in the last weekend of May we have routes and corresponding races of 40km. with 2,800m. altitude, 21km. with 1150m. altitude and 11km. with 665m. altimeter. From the end of August 2018 we organize the race Ultra Ursa Trail 100km. with 5,500m. altitude difference while from August 2020 it will be held in parallel with the 100km race. Team Race where three athletes will share the distance. The races have been established and enjoy the preference of the athletes as they stand out for the quality of the trails and their perfect organization.