The Skai Olympus Marathon is being held on Greece’s highest mountain tomorrow for the fifth successive year, with the participation of 550 runners from 19 countries. The race begins early in the morning from Ancient Dion and covers 44 kilometers before ending at the town of Litochoro just before noon, conditions permitting. The marathon also provides an opportunity for local nature-lovers and mountain walkers in Macedonia to highlight the importance of preserving national treasures such as Mount Olympus.

US basketball player Kennedy Winston told a sports website that he is leaving Panathinaikos, following the acquisition of fellow American Drew Nicholas earlier this week. His No 14 vest has already been allocated to new player from Serbia, Nikola Pekovic, so although Winston is leaving, he does so with the best possible memories of Greece: “I have won the first trophies of my career here,” the 24-year-old told www.gazzetta.gr.

Reports from Romania suggest that Rapid Bucharest is preparing a 5-million-euro bid for a Greek striker, with the most likely target being Panathinaikos and Greece forward Dimitris Salpigidis. Rapid has already hired former Panathinaikos coach Jose Peseiro.

The national volleyball team suffered a 3-0 loss to Slovakia in Sheffield, England, on the first day of the third round of the European League yesterday. With several young players in the team, Greece lost 25-21, 25-15 and 25-22. Today the Greeks are playing Portugal and tomorrow they face the hosts.

Greece soccer star Costas Katsouranis told the Portuguese press yesterday he wants to leave Benfica, explaining that direct flights between Lisbon and Athens have just been discontinued.