Athens is preparing to host one of the world’s most historic running events, the 42nd Athens Marathon, The Authentic, this Sunday, November 9. The weekend will include races, happenings, and citywide festivities drawing more than 75,000 participants and supported by 5,000 volunteers.
Dozens of events have been planned for the Marathon. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Faliro is hosting a special program of activities, including training sessions, sports programs, guided tours, lectures, school programs, and pop-up surprises to mark the occassion.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center will be hosting school programs and other events during Athens Marathon week. Photo: Danai Kokkinaki
The Athens Marathon traces its origins to the legendary run of the Athenian messenger Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC, following Greece’s victory over the Persians. The modern race was first held in 1972 and follows a 42.195 km (26.2 mile) route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium, the historic venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Road Closures and Deviations
Saturday, November 8
Road closures will begin from 5:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. for two preliminary races: the 5km run and the 5km Universities Night Run starting from Vas. Amalias Ave (Syntagma) and finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium. Streets surrounding Syntagma Square and the stadium will be off-limits to traffic.
Sunday, November 9
The main event, the 42nd Authentic Athens Marathon, kicks off at 9:00 a.m. from Marathon. The route along Marathonos Ave and all connecting roads to the Panathenaic Stadium will remain closed to vehicles until 6:20 p.m. The course passes through the municipalities of Marathon, Rafina-Pikermi, Pallini-Gerakas, Peania-Glyka Nera, Agia Paraskevi, Papagos-Holargos, Halandri, Filothei-Psychiko, and Athens.
Additional closures will affect central Athens, including areas around Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium, for the 10km race and kids’ run.
Authorities are advising drivers to avoid the city center and the Marathon route from Thursday, November 6 through Sunday, November 9.
