Hellenic Mountain Race Review

“Pilgrimage: The Story of the Hellenic Mountain Race” is a film directed by Brady Lawrence that captures the 2024 Hellenic Mountain Race, an 883-kilometer bikepacking race through the rugged Pindus Mountains in Greece.

The race climbs a total of 30,000 meters and is an unsupported event, meaning all riders must carry their supplies and can only resupply at commercially available points for everyone.

Riders face a mix of gravel roads, singletrack, and alpine hike-a-bike sections, with the fastest completing the route in about four days while others have up to eight days to finish.

The film showcases the beauty of the Greek landscape and the personal transformations experienced by the riders. It follows a group of adventurous bikepackers as they navigate the challenging terrain and push their physical and mental limits.

The race starts in the rural town of Kalabaka, near the dramatic monasteries of Meteora, and ends in the coastal town of Nafpaktos. The route offers a blend of unpaved roads, tarmac, and ancient stone pathways, with 53% of the course being unpaved.

The film also highlights the support and camaraderie among the riders and the race crew, capturing moments of triumph and hardship. It emphasizes the spiritual and transformative journey that the race represents for many participants.

“Pilgrimage” is a compelling documentary that not only showcases the physical challenge of the race but also delves into the emotional and personal journeys of the riders, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in endurance sports and human resilience.