Athens Marathon. The Authentic
Run the original marathon course, from Marathon to Athens, where it all began.
Athens
Second Sunday of November
42.195 km
340 m
~20,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Start at the Marathon burial mound
- Long climb through Pikermi and Pallini
- Summit at the 30 km mark near Stavros
- Descent into central Athens
- Finish in the Panathenaic Stadium (1896 Olympic venue)
The Course
The Athens Marathon starts in the town of Marathon, near the burial mound of the ancient Greek soldiers who fought the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. The course follows the same route that, according to legend, the messenger Pheidippides ran to deliver news of the Greek victory over Persia. The opening miles are relatively flat as runners leave the town and head toward Athens.
The defining feature of the course is the long, gradual climb from approximately mile 6 to mile 19, gaining over 200 meters as the road ascends through the towns of Pikermi and Pallini on the way to Stavros. This extended climb is relentless and demands patience and hill training. The summit comes around the 30-kilometer mark, after which the course descends steadily into Athens.
The final miles take runners through the streets of central Athens and into the magnificent Panathenaic Stadium, the all-marble venue that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Entering the stadium, running on the track, and crossing the finish line where the modern marathon was born is an experience of unmatched historical gravity.
History
The modern marathon distance traces its origins to the legend of Pheidippides running from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC. The first modern Olympic marathon in 1896 followed this route, and the Athens Marathon preserves it as a living piece of sports history.
The Athens Marathon, officially branded as "Athens Marathon. The Authentic," has been held annually in its current form since 1972. It attracts roughly 20,000 runners from over 100 countries who come to experience the birthplace of the marathon distance.
How to Train for Athens Marathon
Build hill endurance
The course climbs steadily for roughly 13 miles. Include long uphill tempo runs in your training to prepare for this sustained effort. Unlike short, steep hills, this climb demands a different kind of patience and pacing.
Save energy for the summit
Many runners go out too fast on the flat opening miles and pay dearly on the long climb. Practice negative-splitting hilly courses in training so the climb from miles 6 to 19 does not destroy your race.
Prepare for November Mediterranean weather
Athens in November is typically mild (12-18 degrees Celsius) but can be warmer than expected for northern Europeans and Americans. Light clothing and sun protection are recommended. The exposed road section has little shade.
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