The Half-marathon, orginally conceived and organised by Pete Webb and Kevin Whelan, both members of the Atsitsa staff at the time, was first held in 1997. A distinct lack of interest in taking part by the locals and difficulties in explaining the concept of 'a sponsored run' didn't deter them from turning it into the biggest annual sporting event on the island. It gained added importance as for one magical day barriers were broken down - visitors, locals, members of the Skyros Air Force base, mainlanders and schoolchildren all take part in the run and its organisation. At one point Skyros Holidays flew out the organiser of the London Marathon, Alan Storey, to offer the locals the benefit of his experience. Its success eventually ensured its endorsement by the local council which took over its organisation. Help in keeping the event alive is, however, always apreciated.

Its revival not only enriches the local culture with one more annual event to treasure, but also increases local awareness of the need to pursue a healthy lifestyle away from habits marketed by the contemporary culture of quick fixes - which even relatively remote islands like Skyros are being gradually subjected to.