Athens Marathon. The Authentic
In real life Sunday, November 8, 2026 · Marathon start 8:30 AM
Runners follow the classic route from the town of Marathon into Athens and finish inside the marble Panathenaic Stadium.
The Athens Marathon. The Authentic follows the route from the town of Marathon to Athens that gave the marathon its name. The 2026 race is on Sunday, November 8, starting at 8:30am, and finishes inside the marble Panathenaic Stadium.
The course is famously tough: the first 4 km run slightly downhill, then the road climbs through towns such as Nea Makri, Pikermi, Pallini and Gerakas. The hardest section comes around km 30–31, before a descent into central Athens. The same weekend also has 10 km, 5 km, night run and kids' races.
🎟 Cost: Free to watch; 2026 runner registration is closed
🕒 When: Sunday, November 8, 2026, Marathon start 8:30 AM
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What to expect
- A 42.195 km course from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium
- A finish on the stadium's tartan track, the last 170 metres
- 10 km and 5 km road races, a 5 km universities night run and a 1.2 km kids' race, November 7–8
- Traffic-free roads on all race routes
Tips for going
- Spectators should watch from designated areas and travel by metro or public transport, since the race routes are closed to traffic.
- Arrive early near the Panathenaic Stadium if you want to see finishers.
- November mornings can be cool, so bring a layer.
Questions people ask
When does it start?
8:30am on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Can I still enter?
No. All 2026 registrations are closed.
Where can I watch?
From designated spectator areas reachable by metro and public transport, away from the closed routes.
About Athens
The Acropolis rises over Athens with the Parthenon on top, and the old Plaka neighbourhood tumbles down its northern slope.
Getting there: The Akropoli metro station (line 2) is by the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill. The main entrance to the site is on the west side, below the Propylaea.
More about Athens and its 3D version →
Also in Athens
In real lifeDetails checked against www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr. Organizers change plans, so confirm there before you go.
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