Mythical Odyssey was born from a lifelong passion for exploration, endurance, and storytelling.
For more than two decades, Argy and Hannisze have travelled independently to over 100 countries, seeking not only the beauty of remote landscapes but also the human stories woven into them. Their journeys have taken them far off the beaten path – through deserts, mountains, jungles, and arctic terrain.
A seasoned ultra-endurance athlete and emergency doctor in the UK, Argy has combined his love of travel with running at the highest level. He has completed more than 50 international events, including 10 multi-stage races across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Among his standout achievements are top finishes at some of the United States’ most iconic ultramarathons, including Western States, Leadville, and Badwater. He has also conquered the legendary Spartathlon (250 km) in Greece and claimed victory at the North Pole Marathon in 2018.
Malaysian-born and British by nationality, Hannisze is a former advocate and solicitor, and Argy’s wife and partner. What began as supporting him from behind the camera soon evolved into her own artistic journey. As official photographer at international running events, she captures not only the strain of endurance racing but also the human spirit behind it. In 2018, she published Stories & Souls, a collection of portraits from their travels across continents. Her work has appeared in National Geographic Traveller and was longlisted in its Photography Competition in 2017. In 2019, her portraits were exhibited at the Atlas of Humanity Exhibition during Paris Photo Week, affirming her gift for portraying humanity in its rawest form.
In shaping the inaugural edition, Argy and Hannisze partnered with Kostas, a kindred spirit and accomplished Greek ultra-runner. As founder of the acclaimed Ultra Pelion Trail and veteran of countless international races and mountain expeditions, he brought not only experience but a deep-rooted knowledge of Greece’s landscapes and logistics. His insight was instrumental in handpicking the final route, ensuring that every stage stirs the soul and lingers in memory.
Mythical Odyssey was born from the shared passion of Argy and Hannisze, who have spent nearly two decades immersed in endurance sports and global exploration. They wanted to offer the running community a refreshing alternative to commercialised and overcrowded events, a race unlike any other. Their vision is to create a stage race that blends healthy competition with discovery: running through legendary landscapes, far beyond the reach of mass tourism, and immersing participants in local cultures, authentic cuisine, and true recovery at the end of each day. Every morning, runners wake up ready for the next leg of the adventure.
At the heart of Mythical Odyssey is a dedicated team of volunteers including seasoned runners, travellers, adventurers, and medics, all experienced in the demands of stage racing. Central to our mission is our Medical Team, a group of highly skilled doctors who generously volunteer their expertise. Argy, himself an emergency medicine practitioner, brings calm, competence, and care to every challenge, ensuring our runners are in safe hands.
Mythical Odyssey is more than just a race; it is an ethos. It represents journeys through legendary landscapes, across borders both real and imagined, where every step carries history, story, and soul. Our odyssey is only just beginning. As we continue to expand our vision, our races will unfold in places where myth still lingers in the mountains and whispers through the winds.
Join us for more than a race. Join us for an adventure that moves through myth, memory, and meaning.
