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.
Greece's historical treasures are not just to be found in Athens. Indeed, there are many archaeological remains to discover outside of the city, all of them exceptional and poetic. Just 42km north-east of the capital is the small town of Marathon and its famous plain, otherwise known as the symbolic birthplace of the modern Marathon. Every year, a race is organised between the two towns. It finishes in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. It's a route that can be explored on the occasion of this special event, but also in a more personal way throughout the year. Whether you walk or run, the experience remains a real challenge. Don't forget your good shoes before embarking on this unique challenge, which plunges you into the fabulous history of ancient Greece.
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Aerial view of the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis
- © Aerial-motion / ShutterstockMarathon: from ancient city to modern race
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Marathon Plain
- © Greens and Blues / ShutterstockThe route between Marathon and Athens
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.
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View of the port and beach of Rafina
- © Aggelos images / ShutterstockFrom 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.
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Sculpture The Runner, Athènes
- © Paopano / ShutterstockArriving 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).
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The Panathenaic Stadium, the finish line of the modern marathon
- © alwayssunnyalwaysreal / ShutterstockThe authentic Athens Marathon
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!
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Kenya's Samuel Kalalei wins the 2017 Athens Marathon
- © Andronos Haris / ShutterstockThere 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).
Registration
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
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
A few tips before your visit
- 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
Our best hotel suggestion near the Panathenaic Stadium
![Athens View Loft - 03](https://ims.ev.mu/large_73950368_6d5228d3ae/large_73950368_6d5228d3ae.jpg)
Athens View Loft - 03
Just 1312 ft from Temple of Olympion Zeus, this stylish air-conditioned apartment in Athens offers free WiFi and stunning views of the Acropolis and city skyline. Situated in Mets district, it's also 1640 ft from Panathenaic Stadium.""We had a great stay in this flat, the view of the Acropolis is just exceptional. The comfort of the terrace, the cleanliness, the neighbourhood close to the centre and the calm. Great address." "