Greek triathlete Panagiotis Bitados won the 2026 Athens Half Marathon on Sunday with a time of 1:04:41, setting a new course record in the annual race through the Greek capital.
Bitados broke the previous record of 1:04:49, set in 2025 by Luca Dragos Pop.
Fellow Greek runner Nikos Stamoulis finished second in 1:05:09, while Giorgos Stamoulis placed third with a time of 1:05:28.
Athens Half Marathon on March 8 2025 (SOOC)
“It was the first time I ran the Athens Half Marathon,” Bitados told Greek public broadcaster ERT after the race. “I arrived from Colombia early Thursday morning, where I had been preparing, and today I ran here. It was fantastic, and I’m very happy with the time.”
Bitados said the race marks the start of his competitive season. “I still have many races ahead of me. With this one, I begin the season,” he said.
Nikos Stamoulis said he tried to keep pace with the winner during the race.
“We had a good race. I tried to follow Panagiotis as much as I could,” he said, adding that he plans to compete in a 10-kilometer race next.
Giorgos Stamoulis praised the event and said he is preparing for an upcoming marathon.
“The guys were very strong. We all gave our best, as we do every year,” he said. “It was a very nice event and we hope to be here again next year in good health.”
The race started at 8 a.m. from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside Greece’s parliament building in central Athens.
The event’s program also includes a Family Run, a Special Olympics race scheduled for 11:45 a.m., and a 5-kilometer road race at 12:15 p.m.
Start of the Athens Half Marathon on March 8 2025
Temporary traffic restrictions are in place on major roads in central Athens from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. due to the event.
