Although most people would find the idea of running a 21-kilometer (13 mile) half-marathon a challenge, for 20 would-be athletes in Ioannina the obstacles are higher than most.
They are residents of a recently re-opened refugee camp in Katsikas, north-west Greece and are running to raise awareness about freedom of movement.
The group — from Syria, Palestine, Afghanistan and Cameroon — want to take part in Sunday’s Olympia Half-Marathon but are fighting to raise the registration fee as well as come up with running gear, transportation and other necessities.
Campaigners from the Amsterdam University Fund support group are appealing for those interested to donate.
The refugee camp at Katsikas re-opened on Dec. 27 last year after being closed for almost 12 months.
It now hosts around 350 people from different parts of the world but lacks access to education, activities and psychological support.
The camp also lacks integration and bridge-building between the people living there and the local Greek community.
Nevertheless, the group of refugees has been filmed in training for the road race and need only a little help to successfully compete on Sunday.
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