The Athens Marathon, also known as the ‘Authentic Marathon’, is unmatched by any other race. Steeped in history and inspired by the legendary journey of a messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce Greece’s victory over Persia in 490 BC, this course is where the marathon truly began.
In 1896, Greek runner Spyros Louis famously won the first modern Olympic Marathon on this route, cementing its place in sports history. Since 1982, the event has honoured Gregoris Lambrakis, an athlete, scientist and Member of Parliament who was murdered in the 1960s and, after his death, became a symbol of human rights.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 event, from start times and route details to other essential logistics.
What is so special about the Athens Marathon?
Organised by SEGAS, the Hellenic Athletics Association, the Athens Marathon is run on the original marathon course from Marathon to Athens, making it one of the most iconic races in the world. With OPAP S.A. having been its Grand Sponsor since 2011, the event has grown significantly over the years and now attracts around 20,000 runners to its start line.
In addition to the marathon, the race weekend includes a 10K, 5K and a 1.2km kids’ race, all of which welcome participants from around the world. In fact, this is more than just a running event – it’s a chance to experience top-notch Greek hospitality and explore Athens’ captivating ancient legacy.
When is the 2024 Athens Marathon?
of the worlds best marathons.
When and where can I pick up my race bib?
All marathon runners will need to collect their race bibs and kit in person at the Runners’ Center, located at the Faliro Indoor Hall & Exhibition Centre (formerly Tae Kwon Do Venue) in Athens’ Olympic Faliro Coastal Zone.
Race bib collection for the 2024 event will be available on the following dates:
- Are you faster than these celebrity marathoners: 1pm-8pm
- Thursday 7 November: 10am-8pm
- The golden rules of first-time marathon training: 10am-8pm
- Sof the worlds best marathons: 10am-7pm
Don’t forget to bring your bib confirmation email and official ID to the Runners’ Center to ensure a quick and easy collection process. Please also note that no race bibs or kit can be picked up on race day (Sunday 10 November), so be sure to plan your collection day in advance.
What time does the Athens Marathon start?
This year’s Athens Marathon will set off in waves starting at 9am. A group of 20 elite runners and 280 Panhellenic Championship participants will lead the pack, followed by 500 top performers who are proven sub-3 marathon runners. Additional waves will set off every few minutes from there, with each runner assigned a start block based on their recent race times from certified courses. Runners’ bib numbers will indicate their start blocks, so they’ll know where to go on the day.
There will be 13 start blocks in total, and entry into each is from the back. As such, early arrival is encouraged so runners can secure a spot closer to the front of their respective blocks. What’s more, runners will be checked electronically when they line up at the start, so those in the wrong block will be automatically disqualified and deleted from the results table.
Finally, runners should remember to wear a throwaway clothing item or two if they want to keep warm while waiting in the start blocks (because it can, in fact, get cool in Athens). These items can then be thrown in special clothing collection bins near the start line – they’ll then be sorted and donated to charity after the race.
Where is the marathon start line?
Runners will be transported to the start area at Marathon Stadium via buses, which will depart from six central Athens locations. Buses will run between 5:30am and 6:45am, with the last departure from the Syngrou-Fix station at 6:15am. All buses will take a direct route, without any stops.
Bus boarding locations are as follows:
- Syngrou-Fix (Metro Line 2), along Syngrou Avenue
- Syntagma (Metro Lines 2 and 3), near the Hellenic Parliament
- Panepistimio (Metro Line 2), on Panepistimiou Avenue
- Evangelismos (Metro Line 3), on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue
- Katehaki (Metro Line 3), on Mesogeion Avenue
- Omonia (Metro/Train), at Panepistimiou Avenue and Septemvriou Avenue
To avoid delays, the race organisers strongly encourage runners to use the official buses rather than private vehicles. Runners who choose to travel to the start area using their own means must arrive by 8am at the latest.
Will there be a bag drop facility?
Every runner can pick up an official clothing bag, with a corresponding sticker featuring their bib number, at the Runners’ Center. The sticker should be placed clearly on their clothing bag to help volunteers return it with ease post-race.
On race day, only the official clothing bag provided by the race organisers will be accepted. Runners should place only necessary personal belongings inside this clothing bag and avoid bringing valuables, travel documents or medication. Runners will need to drop off their clothing bags at the designated transport vehicle (located 150m ahead of the start line) no later than 8:20am on race morning.
Once a runner has completed their 26.2-mile effort, they can reclaim their clothing bag by presenting their race bib at the designated location. Unclaimed bags will be held at the SEGAS Marathon Office for 15 days, after which time they’ll be discarded.
What is the Athens Marathon route?
As expected, the race route follows the legendary course from Marathon to Athens. Starting with a downhill stretch lasting 200m, runners will then cover 4km on the gently sloping Marathonos Avenue before looping around the Tomb of Marathon – a tribute to the ancient battle.
The route then flattens from 6km, with gradual inclines starting at the 11km mark and a steeper climb coming into play around 17km. After passing through areas like Rafina, Pikermi and Pallini, the course will present runners with intense uphill and downhill sections, especially at Stavros from 30km. The course then levels out at Messogeion Avenue, with alternating flat and downhill sections through Halandri and Cholargos.
As runners approach central Athens, they’ll pass landmarks like the American Embassy and the Athens Concert Hall. The last stretch will take runners into the historic Panathenaic Stadium for a triumphant finish.
Are there water stations along the course?
The Athens Marathon route will feature 15 aid stations, all of which offer water. Isotonic drinks will also be provided every 5K, starting at the 10K mark. In addition, energy gels, energy bars, bananas and Coca Cola will be offered at various different aid stations along the course.
Does the Athens Marathon have a cut-off time?
The race has a strict cut-off time of 5:42pm, so all marathon runners must complete the race by this time. To help runners stay on track and finish within the overall time limit, specific cut-off times will be set at various points along the course. For instance, runners must reach the 5K km mark by 10:35am and the halfway point (21.1km) by 1:41pm.
If a runner needs to drop out at any point during the race, they can head to the nearest aid station or seek assistance from an event official or volunteer. A dedicated sweeper bus will also follow the last runners to pick up those who are unable or choose not to finish.
Can I defer my place if I can’t take part in 2024?
Unfortunately, the Athens Marathon does not have a deferral policy. Runners only had the option to cancel their participation by 25 September 2024.
How do I enter the 2025 Athens Marathon?
The beauty of this event is that you do not need a qualifying time in order to take part – you simply need to be aged 18 or over to enter. That said, competition for spaces is high and entries are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
Although the date for the 2025 race has not yet been announced, it is likely to take place on a Sunday in November. All registration details will be published on the official Athens Marathon website All about marathon training on a treadmill.
