Athens Marathon Medals – The Concept Behind the Collectors’ Series

Photo source: Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS)

All runners participating in the 41st Athens Marathon. The Authentic and who reach the finish line, will be awarded the fifth piece of the celebrated Athens Marathon Collector’s Medal series.

Scheduled for November 9-10, this historic event commemorates the legendary 490 BC run by Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens to announce victory over the Persians.

Athens Marathon medal series – The concept

Established in 2019 by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), the collector’s medal series features eight unique designs, each representing one letter of the word MARATHON, crafted by renowned Greek artists.

This year’s medal highlights the letter “T” and has been designed by acclaimed Greek artist Kostas Tsoklis. The design, titled Kotinos—Greek for “olive wreath”—pays homage to Spyros Louis, the first marathon winner at the 1896 Olympics.

SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa with Greek artist Kostas Tsoklis. Photo source: SEGAS

Each medal in the series depicts a moment of significance in marathon history on one side and the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), along with the race year and “FINISHER” text, on the other. The series is expected to conclude in 2027, with all eight letters forming the word MARATHON.

Following is a presentation of the Athens Marathon Collector’s Medal series with the previous designs in the Athens Marathon Collector’s Medal series by prominent Greek artists that now spells out M-A-R-A-T.

The medals

“The Authentic Athens Marathon holds a special magic, powerfully conveying the message of peace, solidarity, and brotherhood among people,” said SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa said when presenting this year’s medal.

• M (2019) by Alekos Fasianos

Photo source: Athens Marathon. The Authentic

The inaugural medal, Battle of Marathon, represents the legendary clash in 490 BC, symbolizing the origins of the marathon with depictions of ancient warriors.

• A (2021) by Kostas Varotsos

Photo source: Athens Marathon. The Authentic

Inspired by Pheidippides’ historic run, Varotsos’ design honors the messenger’s perseverance, blending abstract forms to suggest movement and resilience.

• R (2022) by Yiannis Psychopedis

Photo source: Athens Marathon. The Authentic

Titled Cradle of Democracy, this medal features the Parthenon’s pediment and an olive branch, emphasizing Athens as a birthplace of democratic ideals.

• A (2023) by Vana Xenou

Photo source: Athens Marathon. The Authentic

Known as Eternal Winner, Xenou’s design captures a runner at the moment of triumph, conveying the spirit of victory and endurance central to the marathon.

• T (2024) by Kostas Tsoklis

Photo source: Athens Marathon. The Authentic

This year’s medal, Kotinos, features an olive branch in homage to Spyros Louis, the first marathon champion of the 1896 Olympics, linking ancient traditions with the modern Olympic legacy.

The “Athens Marathon. The Authentic” event also features 5km and 10km races for adults and a 1.2km children’s event, with the main 42km (26.2-mile) route showcasing iconic landmarks around Athens.

Photo source: SEGAS

A limited number of 1,000 medals labeled “Collector” (instead of “Finisher”) are available at the OPAP Marathon Expo and via the SEGAS e-shop, appealing to collectors in Greece and internationally.

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