The city of Ioannina organized 2 major events in the direction of shared public space with a focus in the urban, lake waterfront:
A. Event: Ioannina lake run The tour of Lake Ioannina is a fascinating route and a top running route as well that has
become an institution for the city of Ioannina and Epirus, with a successful track record of 16 years. Ioannina Lake Run stands out as a race, focusing on athletes with Lake Pamvotis in the
background. A flat 30km race and two shorter runs of 5km and 10km against a setting of breathtaking beauty. This year, participations exceeded all expectations. On the starting line everybody was most eager to take part while expressing their determination to compete, highlighting the importance of the event and how they have missed short runs due to the restrictive
measures. Families with children in the Family Run, elementary school children in the Kids race, parents with infants and toddlers in the original “Mama-stroller” route, as well as the 1km lakeside
road for people with disabilities created a unique ambiance of sportsmanship, teamwork and emotionally moved all those attending the two-day events. As every year, the volunteers proved to be a very strong asset. Full of energy, dedication, and zeal for this international event they organized various parallel racing, cultural and entertainment activities.
B. Event: Lake pic nic: The municipality of Ioannina, supports outdoor activities and encourages citizens to leave their cars and participate in a picnic organized in the most emblematic space of the city, the lake of Ioannina. In the framework of the European Mobility Week as well as the 100 climate neutral cities, the Municipality organized a picnic and several interactive activities.
The event lasted for 2 days and all cars were removed from the urban waterfront, leading citizens to take over the public space and move freely along the lake and the byzantine castle. The aim of the Municipality of Ioannina is, through a series of actions, to re-introduce green and open spaces to the citizens and their value, especially when they can move freely. During the picnic and lakeside walk, a variety of events took place by people and groups who are artistically active, and not only, in the city. For example, the following events took place in 2 days: Street music, theatrical events, planetarium, shadow theatre, face painting, activities for children, chess play, walking around the castle and presenting historical narratives, board games, roller skating, yoga classes and many more activities.
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