WTC #21

Vasileios Kampakis

Vasileios Kampakis is back on What The Crew! for another conversation about running, Greece, ultra trails, and the strange places your mind goes when the distance gets long.

As one of the Utrecht Running Project Pacers and a long-time runner, Vasileios shares how running became a major part of his life after starting with a half marathon in Greece — a race that left him unable to walk properly for days, but somehow made him want more.

From there, the conversation moves into trail running, ultra distances, and what it means to train for mountain races while living in one of the flattest countries in the world. Vasileios talks about the difference between road running and trail running, why the ultra community feels different, and how races in the mountains create a strong sense of respect and camaraderie between runners.

The episode also touches on life in the Netherlands, the work-life balance compared to Greece, favorite running routes around Utrecht, wild race stories, pizza opinions, and a few tricky riddles that put Vasileios’ problem-solving skills to the test.

A relaxed, funny, and thoughtful conversation about running far, staying motivated, and finding community through shared suffering: preferably with good food waiting at the end.