Athens Marathon

The Athens Marathon: A Legend Still Alive Today?

Many legends surround the first marathon. One of the most famous comes from Plutarch, suggesting that the mythical 42.195 km were first run by the brave Pheidippides, following various other versions. The story of this courageous messenger who announced the Greeks’ victory over the Persians is one of the best known. The marathon we recognize today is quite different, yet this legend, told in tales and books like “Parallel Lives,” keeps the spirit of this race alive. On this course, Athens is connected to another city, Marathon. The 42 km of Athens have certainly earned their name, and their reputation precedes them. Greece is renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, a nation where athleticism reigns supreme, with running as a cornerstone.

The Athens Marathon is a challenging race. It’s not entirely flat; small hills and descents keep runners constantly engaged. In contrast, the race offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, olive groves, vineyards, and the beautiful Greek landscape. However, the beauty of the event doesn’t stop there; the organizers also emphasize their impressive sporting venues. One of the highlights is crossing the finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium, built in 330 BCE for the great Panathenaic festivals, which were religious celebrations of the time. This structure, with its unique length, retains the authenticity of its original era, immersing runners in a magical atmosphere each time.