Athens Marathon Gets New Name, Enters New Era

Photo source: Hellenic Athletics Federation

The Athens Classic Marathon has entered a new era and aims for the top, among all major sport and tourism events worldwide, organizer Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) has informed.

Aiming for world acknowledgment through evolution and improvement of its visual identity, SEGAS presented the marathon’s new name during a special ceremony at the Benaki Museum on 25 February.

The Athens Classic Marathon will now be known as the “Athens Marathon. The Authentic.”

According to the federation, the new name highlights, in the most accurate and precise way, the unique world “position” of Greece’s national heritage, of the Authentic Marathon; a marathon that is not only a “classic” but the only one on the planet that starts from Marathonas and finishes in Athens.

“This Marathon race, in which SEGAS invites every runner around the world to participate at least once in their lifetime, is entering a new phase, aiming for the top among all major sport and tourism events worldwide,” the federation said.

Kefalogianni: The Athens Marathon is a national brand

Present at the ceremony was Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni who referred to the Athens Marathon as a “national brand.”

“This is a top prestigious event, with obvious benefits for tourism and the national economy in general,” Mrs. Kefalogianni said.

The Greek tourism minister referred to the positive impact the classic Marathon has on the tourism identity of Athens. “The marathon displays the Greek capital’s rich history, culture, modern infrastructure and high tourism services,” she said.

Forbes recommends Athens Marathon

The Athens Marathon recently received the coveted designation of one of the top 10 marathons in the world worth traveling for in 2014 by Forbes magazine. The annual Forbes Travel Guide list was released on 29 January and highlighted other world-renowned courses such as the Great Wall Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

The “Athens Marathon. The Authentic.” will take place on 9 November 2014. Registration for this year’s event will open in mid March.