Athens will implement extensive traffic restrictions on Sunday, March 8, as thousands of runners take part in the Athens Half Marathon 2026 and related races across the city center.
The main half marathon race will take place from 08:00 to 10:00, starting and finishing on Vasilisis Amalias Avenue near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square, one of the city’s central landmarks. The route will pass through major streets and avenues in central Athens before returning to the finish line at the same location.
Race Schedule
In addition to the half marathon, several other events will take place during the day:
- Family Run and Special Olympics race: 11:45 – 12:07
- 5 km race: 12:15 – 14:10
The shorter races will also start or finish near Syntagma Square and follow routes through central Athens.
Road Closures Across Central Athens
Authorities have announced temporary and gradual road closures throughout the city center from early morning until early afternoon. In most cases, traffic restrictions will apply between 07:00 and 14:00, while some streets will close earlier or remain restricted longer.
Major roads affected include key central arteries such as Vasilisis Amalias Avenue, Panepistimiou Street, Stadiou Street, Akadimias Street, Patision Street, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, Vasileios Konstantinou Avenue, Mesogeion Avenue, and Syggrou Avenue, among many others.
Several major squares, including Syntagma Square and Omonoia Square, will also be affected by the traffic measures.
Parking and stopping will be prohibited along the race route during the same hours. In addition, vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters will not be allowed to cross the race route, except at specific controlled intersections used for emergency access.
Alternative Routes for Drivers
To help reduce disruption, authorities have recommended several alternative routes for drivers traveling between the city center and surrounding districts. Suggested detours include routes via Alexandras Avenue, Kifisias Avenue, Katechaki Avenue, and Syggrou Avenue, depending on the direction of travel.
Drivers heading from the city center toward the southern suburbs are advised to use routes via Piraeus Street and Syggrou Avenue, while those traveling toward western areas can follow routes through Evelpidon Street and Konstantinou Tsaldari Avenue.
Public Information and Assistance
Police will provide traffic information and assistance through the Half Marathon operations center. Authorities encourage residents and visitors to plan their travel in advance and allow additional time for journeys within central Athens during the event.
The operations center will operate on Saturday, March 7, from 08:00 to 22:00, and on Sunday, March 8, from 06:00 until the end of the event, providing updates and guidance on traffic arrangements.
