Athens Marathon 2024

Athens, Greece

Athens Marathon 2024: A true historic and heroic event born in 490BC.

The marathon covers the same ground that the Athenian messenger Philippides ran when he brought news of victory from the battlefield of Marathon 2,500 years ago to announce the Greeks’ victory over the Persians. The race begins at the Panathenaic Stadium at Marathon in Greece which is located on the site of an ancient stadium and for many centuries hosted games in which nude male athletes competed in track events and athletics championships. The finish line is in Athens’ magnificent Olympic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.

‘The authentic marathon that showcases the strength of human will, friendship and solidarity.’

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Your experience at Athens Marathon 2024

It is what happens between these two points on marathon day that is most exciting. Over 40,000 runners and 80,000 spectators combine their efforts to dress up, play music, cheer on the runners and revel in the historic race that takes over the ancient Greek city. As well as the tough course of 42,195m, there are mini races for runners of all ages and abilities to compete in. There is a 5km and 10km race, the main marathon for runners and power walkers, a kids fun run and a special Olympics fun run event.

There is also a special Sponsors Village where all sponsors, NGOs and partners of the 40th Athens Marathon 2024 will be present, creating of a unique side event for all spectators and participants that visit the site.

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Where is Athens Marathon?

The marathon takes place in the historic capital city of Athens in Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world’s oldest cities. The large city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple, and is home to 3.2 million people.

How to get around Athens

As Athens is a popular tourism destination, there are many travel options available, including easy access to Athens International Airport.  Regular ferries and cruiselines drop off passengers from major European destinations.

All marathon participants are entitled to a specific metro transport card offering them free use of all the Athens public transport system for the period three days prior and two days after the Race.  These cards can be used on the marathon shuttle buses, public buses and metro train links within the city.

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Where to stay in Athens

When in Athens the desirable areas to stay in are the Plaka, Makrianni, Koukaki, Thission, Syntagma and Monastiraki. These all border the Acropolis and the archaeological park around it. Everything you need including shops, restaurants, the metro to the ferries, buses, taxis and nightlife is within walking distance.

The Hotel Attalos is one of the best budget hotels in Athens based on location, service and cleanliness.  All rooms have air-conditioning, fridges, big closets, and the showers are great with good pressure and hot water right away. The breakfast room serves great coffee, as well as toast, butter, marmalade, yogurt, cereal, cheeses, juices and teas.

The Electra Palace is a fully air-conditioned luxury hotel right in the middle of the Plaka with a spectacular view of the acropolis and downtown Athens and a rooftop pool. The rooms are large, with plenty of storage space, a fridge and mini bar, safe, satellite television with pay movie channels, and paid internet.

For the best hotel and rental deals in Athens head to the map below.

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Things to do in Athens

A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3-kilometer pedestrian zone, leading to the major archaeological sites in a successful attempt to reconstruct the ancient landscape.

While there are many museums in Athens, the Benaki Museum is one of the best museums in Athens and one of the most important in terms of the history of both ancient and modern Greece as well as art and culture. Visit the Benaki for a better understanding of the country which is modern Greece. Starting at the bottom floor with ancient artifacts, then going up through the various periods of Greek history, the third floor holds the heroes of the Greek Revolution and the birth of the modern state of Hellas

The Plaka is the historical center of Athens and is still a neighborhood where people live, eat, drink, work and shop, and one of the most enjoyable places to stroll in Athens. Tour around the small village in the center of Athens on foot and walk up to the Acropolis right at the top of the ancient walkways.

Athens Marathon 2024 Dates

The date for the Athens Marathon is November 9-10, 2024.

On Saturday November 11 will be the 10k Road Race.

The 5km Road Race, Kids Race and the main event the 40th Marathon will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024. 

Photo Credits: Athens Marathon. The Authentic