Over 73,000 Participants to Run in the 41st Athens Marathon in November

Photo source: SEGAS

Over 73,000 runners from Greece and around the world will compete in the 41st Athens Marathon. The Authentic, set for November 9-10 in Athens.

Inspired by the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce Greece’s victory over the Persians in 490 BC, the 42km marathon is one of Greece’s largest events, attracting both amateur and professional runners, with a special route for children as well.

“Greece, Attica, and Athens are once again set to welcome thousands of runners and visitors from around the world, offering them the chance to combine the benefits of sports with the unique experience of the Authentic Athens Marathon, a premier sporting and cultural event,” Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said during a media briefing on this year’s marathon.

Athens to host the largest conference for marathon organizers

Hellenic Athletic Federation President Sofia Sakorafa. Photo source: SEGAS

During the briefing, Sofia Sakorafa, President of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), announced that the largest conference for marathon organizers will be held in Athens alongside the Athens Marathon, further elevating the event’s national and international profile.

“SEGAS and Athens will host the world’s largest conference for marathon and running event organizers, the European Running Business Conference,” Sakorafa said.

The conference, an initiative of European Athletics, will feature organizers from around the globe. To meet expectations, Greek organizers have crafted an innovative program for the 41st edition, aimed at enhancing the runners’ experience with internationally appealing initiatives alongside the races.

An opportunity to make Athens a leading sports destination

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias, Deputy Sports Yiannis Vroutsis, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Kapralos, Hellenic Athletic Federation President Sofia Sakorafa. Photo source: SEGAS

The marathon will include 5km and 10km races for adults, as well as a 1.2km race specially designed for children. The main highlight will be the 42km route, lasting up to 8 hours, which passes through iconic Athens landmarks such as the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) and Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall.

Runners will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Athens and Attica, making them a top destination for all tastes. They will also be introduced to the region’s modern sports facilities, rich cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality.

“The Authentic Athens Marathon is regarded as one of the toughest marathon races in the world,” said Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias.

“Our aim is to showcase Attica as the perfect venue for hosting international sporting events while promoting the importance of sports for a healthy lifestyle,” he added.

During the event, the Athens Marathon medal was presented.

Designed by renowned Greek painter Kostas Tsoklis, the medal features an olive branch inspired by the one awarded to Spyros Louis, the first marathon winner at the 1896 Olympic Games.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor of the 41st Athens Marathon. The Authentic.