Athletics are quite prevalent and popular on the island of Rhodes. Since the beginning of the 20th century there were clubs who worked the Classic Sports with excellent results in national and international games. Today 5 clubs and a Union develop the sport.

The main venue for the sport is the kalipateira Sport Complex, at the at Karakonero area. The Kallipateira Sports Complex is on the main  Kalithea to Faliraki road. It’s just 3km from the centre of Rhodes and is regularly served by the local bus service. If travelling by car, it has good parking facilities of 400 seats.

Τhe sport complex is very well organised and has all the facilities for Athletics:

• A 400m, 8 lane elastic surface track with a 135 m runway and direction to the North
• two throws cages, one with North and the other with South direction,
• javelin lanes on both sides of the field
• stipple chase water ditch
• 4 putting circles .
• and 4 jumping landing areas (pit jumps) 2 on each side of the field.

There is 2,000 seats covered platform fully accessible to people with disabilities

• An indoor training room with rubber floor, 85 m long, with 4 speed lanes track and a pit jump. Its located behind the seat platform, close to the main entrance.
• Located in the same area is a gym with strengthening equipment changing rooms, WC and a surgery.
• Around the stadium and inside the complex, a controlled 1000m asphalt path is suitable for long distance running.
• At the southern side of the complex there are a discus throw cage and putting circles for training
• at eastern side there is an open air 120 m 5 speed lanes track, suitable for training.

The Kalipateira Sport Complex is located in an area where there are hotels of all categories, restaurants, shops, traditional villages, beaches and attractions.

Another Athletics venue on the island, is the one at the picturesque forest area of Agios Silas at the Municipality of kameiros. It’s 30km away from the city of Rhodes at the esat side of the island and it’ s equipped with:

• A 400 m 8 lane track
• 2 pit jumps with all the necessary equipments for competing and training
• Changing rooms, shower, toilets
• Lighting for evening games

At the surrounding area in a10 km range, there are various hotels, restaurants, traditional villages and sightseeing. Another facility suitable for Athletics training is available at the Diagoras Municipal Stadium at the city of Rhodes.

Main Events

• Regional Athletic Championship, Diagoreia Atletic Games, National Championship of Blind Athletes, NatWest Island Games XII Rhodes 2007 (www.rhodes2007.info)