The 35th Athens Marathon, also known as the Authentic Marathon, will be taking place on Sunday 12th November. Following the classic route from the town of Marathonas to Athens, this is the ultimate experience for runners and attracts huge numbers of participants each year from all over the world.
The Athens Marathon, at just over 42km, is one of the biggest sporting events in the year for Greece. There will be over 50,000 participants from more than 100 countries competing in this year’s race, which addition to the 42km race also has a 5km and 10km race as well.
Kostas Panagopoulos, the SEGAS President, had this to say about the event …
The Athens Marathon, the Authentic Marathon, is not just a sporting event, a hard race, a tough course of 42,195m. More than that, the Athens Marathon, the Authentic Marathon, is a bridge that unifies the legend with history; it showcases the strength of human will; it is a fountain of values, of social liability, environmental sensitivity, friendship and solidarity.
The opening ceremony takes place on Saturday 11th November from 12:30 – 13:15 and includes the Flame Lighting Ceremony at the Marathon Tomb and the torch relay from the tomb to the starting venue of the marathon. On Sunday 12th, the marathon starts at 09:00 with the race finishing at the famous Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
Be aware that on the day of the marathon, there will be no vehicles allowed in the city centre of Athens, or around the Panathenaic Stadium between 05:00 and 17:45. If you do wish to attend the event, then it is advised to use public transport. The Syntagma Metro Station is a short distance from the Panathenaic Stadium. If are visiting Athens for the Marathon then have a look at our Athens hotels section, where you’ll be able to find a great choice of accommodation.
