Walk (or jog) along the original route of the modern Marathon

Everyone knows the marathon, that legendary 42.195 km race. But do you know its origins and why this distance is so precise? To find out, we need to take a giant leap back in time. The year was 490 BC, the date of the Battle of Marathon during the Medieval Wars (499 BC / 449 BC). The Greeks, though outnumbered, won the battle and prevented the Persians from landing on the beaches of Marathon and marching towards Athens. A messenger named Philippides is said to have run the distance of 42.195 km in one go to announce the victory before dying of exhaustion. The marathon was born. It was in 1896, during the first Olympic Games, that the first modern marathon was run, retracing the steps of the now-famous messenger.

The adventure begins on Marathonos Avenue in Marathon. Of course, the route can also be taken from the capital, but we recommend starting from Marathon, to follow in the footsteps of the legend of Philippides. For the first few kilometres, heading south, the route follows the sea through the towns of Nea Makri and Rafina. Along the way, you'll see a bronze statue of the famous messenger, holding a parchment.

From here, it's out to sea and inland. The route passes through Pikermi and Pallini before arriving in the Chalandri and Cholargos neighbourhoods to the east of Athens before reaching the city centre. Near the acropolis, a stone's throw from Evangelismos metro station, we pass The Runner, an iron and glass sculpture created by Costas Varotsos.

Arriving in the city centre, the adventure continues along Via Pheidippidou, named in honour of Philippides. After passing the presidential residence, we arrive at the Panathenaic Stadium, built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. A perfect replica of a stadium designed in 144 for the Panathenaeas (religious festivals to strengthen ties between the inhabitants).

Anyone is free to do this route at any time of year, running or walking. However, if you want to do it in hiking mode, you'll need to allow yourself more than 8 hours of effort. Why not complete it in two days, with a stopover on the coast at Rafina, for example? Alternatively, the 'authentic' Athens marathon is held every year in November. It's an opportunity to work up a sweat on a historical course with thousands of participants. Great atmosphere guaranteed!

There are several types of races offered every year to accommodate all types of runners: the classic marathon (18 years and over), the 10km (12 years and over), the 5km (12 years and over), and the 1.2km for children (between 9 and 12 years).

There are two different types of registrations:

Advanced entry level

• Race number with integrated timing chip

• Race T-shirt

• Clothes management bag

• Runner transport to the marathon start area from Athens city centre 

• Services during and after the race (refreshment area and medical services)

• Accident insurance 

• Finisher's medal 

• Certificate of participation 

• Free admission to the Athens Olympic Museum

• 50% discount on Hellenic Train tickets

Full registration level 

It includes all the items listed above plus : 

• Rucksack

• Public transport card

• Free admission to the Acropolis Museum 

• Towel

 - 15% discount on the Athens Marathon online shop

Group registrations are also available. For more information on the marathon and how to book, visit the official website.

Prices may vary from year to year, but are generally around:

Marathon: 45 euros (advanced registration). 100 (full registration). 

10km: 35 euros (advanced registration). 90 (full registration)

5km: 30 euros (advanced registration). 80 (full registration). 

1.2km: Free

• The time limit for completing the Marathon is 8 hours 
• The time limit for completing the 10km is 90 minutes
• The time limit for the 5km is 60 minutes*.
• Each person finishing within the time limit receives a finisher's medal
• Minors registered for the 5km and 10km must have parental authorisation
• Photos of the event can be purchased online
• Race numbers and kits can be collected directly from the venue