32nd Authentic Marathon Puts Athens in the Limelight – Photo Report

Under excellent weather conditions and in high spirits, thousands of runners took to the streets of Athens, Greece, for the city’s 2014 marathon.

13,000 runners competed in the 42,195-meter main race of the “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic”, which started in Marathonas, on the eastern coast of Attica and site of the Battle of Marathon of 490 B.C.E. and ended at the Kallimarmaro Panathinaic Stadium in Athens.

Kandie wins and breaks course records

Felix Kandie: Winner of 32nd “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic”.

Although running the authentic course from Marathonas to Athens for the first time, Kenyan Felix Kandie not only came in first place and won the gold medal but also registered a new record in the event. His result was two hours, 10 minutes and 37 seconds, beating the previous record two hours, 10 minutes and 55 seconds by Stefano Baldini during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Second in the “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” was Raymond Bett (2.12.34) and third was Chobei Josphat Kiptanui Too (2.15.38).

Raymond Bett

Chobei Josphat Kiptanui Too

The first Greek athlete to cross the finish line was Christoforos Merousis (2:25:15) in the 10th place.

Christoforos Merousis

In the woman’s division, Maiyo Naomi Jepkogei came in first clocking 2.41.06.

Maiyo Naomi Jepkogei

Second was Rotich Nancy Joan (2.41.29) and third was Chobei Linah Jerop (2.42.41).

The first Greek female across the finish line was Sofia Riga who clocked 2:45:38 and came in sixth.

Sofia Riga

To see the complete results, press here.

“Winners” were also the 22.000 runners that participated in the 5K and 10K road races, power walking event, kids race, Special Olympics race.

Overall, 35,000 runners participated in the 32nd “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic”.

“Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic”: Following the steps of Pheidippides

The “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” is a unique running-event of great historical importance as it carries on the tradition since the first Olympics in 1896: the runners follow the classic marathon route retracing the steps of Pheidippides himself.

According to legend, in 490 BC, a messenger named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce Athens’ victory over a Persian army, then collapsed and died.

Out of that legend, the marathon race was born.

Fun & games at the marathon’s Sponsors’ Village

Various happenings and events took place at the kiosks set up at the marathon’s sponsor’s village near the Panathinaikon Stadium, the site of the finish line.

Photo report: 32nd “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” – Moments

GTP was the main tourism communication sponsor for the “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic”.

For full coverage on the 2014 “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” press here.