Athens Marathon
The Lowdown
The Athens Authentic Marathon traces its roots directly to the legendary run of Pheidippides and is widely regarded as the most historically significant marathon in the world. First organized in modern form in 1972, the race follows the original route from the coastal town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in central Athens, offering runners a powerful connection to the origins of long-distance running. Held each November, the event attracts elite competitors and thousands of recreational runners from across the globe who come to combine sport with history and Greek culture. The course is both scenic and challenging: it begins along the Aegean Sea, passes olive groves and the archaeological landscape of Marathon, then climbs through rolling hills before descending toward Athens and finishing dramatically inside the marble Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Runners experience iconic landmarks, sea views, and a chorus of local supporters and music that create a festive, emotional atmosphere. The race is known for its strong organizational support, well-marked route, and ample aid stations, making it a bucket-list event for history-minded runners and those seeking a classic, challenging marathon. The Athens Authentic Marathon is AIMS-certified and an accredited, certified course accepted for Boston Marathon qualification. It has also held World Athletics Label status in recent editions, reflecting its quality and international standing. Whether you’re aiming for a fast qualifying time, a personal milestone, or simply the unique experience of finishing in a historic stadium, the Athens Marathon delivers a memorable, culturally rich race day.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Tumulus of the Athenians (Tomb of Marathon)
The race starts beside the large burial mound marking the 192 Athenians who fell at the Battle of Marathon, the historic start of the authentic route
Marathon Run Museum
Near the start, the museum showcases the history of the marathon and artifacts from both ancient and modern races
Lake Marathon and Marathon Dam
The artificial reservoir with its Pentelic marble-faced dam is a prominent landmark in the Marathon area passed in the opening kilometers
Schinias National Park / Schinias Beach
Pine-forested coastal area and Olympic rowing canal near Nea Makri that runners pass early in the course
Mesogeion Avenue and Katechaki Junction
A major suburban artery and notable elevation change on the route as runners transition from the eastern suburbs toward central Athens
Megaron Athens Concert Hall & American Embassy (Vasilissis Sofias Avenue)
Iconic civic and cultural landmarks runners pass on the final approach into the city
Irodou Attikou Street, Presidential Mansion & National Gardens
The tree-lined avenue past the Presidential Residence and gardens leading directly to the finish at the Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
The historic all-marble stadium where the marathon finishes, including the final meters on the track used in the 1896 Olympic Games
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Athens, Greece
GR
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
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This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old on race day to register for the full marathon
- All participants must complete online registration and sign the race waiver
- Photo ID required to pick up race bib and packet
- Participants with pre-existing medical conditions are advised to obtain medical clearance before racing
- No headphones that impede race marshal/traffic instructions are allowed (earbuds with open-ear designs may be permitted at organizer discretion)
- Strollers, pets, and inline skates are not permitted on the marathon course
- Participants must obey all race rules, traffic control, and marshal directions
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the appropriate division and notify race officials in advance
- All runners must finish within the official course time limit to receive an official finish time and medal
- Bibs are non-transferable; transferring a bib may result in disqualification and bans from future events
Required Documents
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Signed Race Waiver / Liability Release
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or photo ID)
- Emergency Contact Information
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator/Travel Package
- Club/Group Entry
- Elite/Invitational Entry
- Registration via Official Partners
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances after registration is completed
Bib transfers allowed until 30 days before the race for a €15 administration fee and completed transfer form
Deferral to the next edition (2027) allowed until 30 days before the race for a €20 administration fee
Medical withdrawals: 50% refund if valid medical certificate submitted at least 30 days before the race
If the event is cancelled by the organizers, registrants may choose a full refund or a free transfer to the next edition
The Athens Authentic Marathon follows the historic route from the town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in central Athens, finishing on the stadium track used in the first modern Olympics.
The course is famously hilly with a long, sustained climb between roughly 10–31 km and a fast descent into Athens, so runners should prepare for sustained uphill effort and conservative pacing early.
Finishers receive a commemorative medal and a technical finisher shirt, and the event uses chip timing with official results published on the race website; there are aid stations approximately every 2–3 km offering water, sports drink and sponges.
Race weekend includes an official expo in Athens, pre-race pasta parties hosted by local organizers, and additional events such as shorter road races and youth runs that attract families and international visitors.
Logistics tip: public transportation and official race shuttles are strongly recommended for getting to the start in Marathon due to limited parking and road closures, and typical November weather in Athens is cool and often windy—layering is advised.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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