Get Ready to Run: GNTO Supports Three Spring Races in Greece

1st Patras Half Marathon. Photo source: Patras Half Marathon.

Three international running events that have taken or are scheduled to take place in numerous locations around Greece this April will run under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the organization recently announced.

These races, supporting GNTO’s ongoing efforts to promote Greece as a year-round tourism destination, highlight the country’s potential as a global running events’ hotspot and provide an opportunity for tourists to experience Greece’s unique landscapes and attractions while also participate in the sport they love.

1st International Patras Half Marathon

British athlete Calli Thackery at the finish line. Photo source: Patras Half Marathon.

Last weekend, the first ever International Patras Half Marathon took place with the participation of over 2,500 athletes from Greece and abroad.

Co-organized by AO Pelops Patras sports association and the Peloponnisos newspaper, the event was hailed as a success since besides the half marathon, professional and amateur runners also had the opportunity to compete in a 5-kilometer race, with children competing in the one-kilometer Kids race.

Acclaimed British athlete Calli Thackery, who finished first at the 1st Patras International Half Marathon women’s race, marking at the same time the best female half marathon performance ever achieved in Greece, took to Instagram to share that she couldn’t “pass up on an opportunity to race alongside the oceanfront Greece”.

14th International Poseidon Athens Half Marathon

Photo source: Poseidon Athens Half Marathon.

Scheduled to take place a week after Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, the 14th International Poseidon Athens Half Marathon will be held on April 23 in the Palaio Faliro and Alimos Municipalities.

The event includes a half marathon and a 21.1-kilometer relay for two runners, a quarter marathon, a 5-kilometer race, a 5-kilometer power walk, a 1-kilometer children’s race, as well as races to financially support special social causes and organizations.

In addition, a Panhellenic Painting Competition for children aged 4-14 , titled “Running is a game, it’s fun!” is also organized in the context of the event.

8th Rhodes International Marathon

Rhodes International Marathon. Photo source: Rhodes International marathon.

Finally, the 8th Rhodes International Marathon will take place on April 30 on a coastal route next to the walls of the island’s Medieval City overlooking the Aegean. Many Greek runners are expected to participate in the race, as well as over 1,000 athletes from 60 countries.

In addition to the marathon, there will also be a half-marathon, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races, all of which will find participants passing by some of the most famous landmarks of the town of Rhodes.