Athens Classic Marathon, 5K and 10K - 2009
The Athens Classic Marathon gets its elegant name from the fact that it takes place
on the route where, according to the legend, the very first marathon in the world appeared. In 490
BC a giant Persian army arrived in the small town of Marathon near the coast of
Greece in order to smack the Greeks to pieces. But no, the Greek army were too much
of a handful for the cheeky Persians, and the agile youngster Pheidippides was sent
to Athens to bring over the news of the victory. The young Greek ran the 42 km from
the battlefield to the capital as fast as he could, announced his joyous message,
and died. This is according to legend the reason we have something called marathons
today, and the race in Athens is the only one that can boast a truly original course.
Apart from the obvious connection to the legend of poor Pheidippides, the Athens
Classic Marathon is dedicated to Gregoris Lambrakis, a Greek athlete and Member
of Parliament who after his politically motivated assassination in 1963 has become
a national symbol of democracy and social justice.
The history of the Athens Classic Marathon doesn’t go as far back as the history of
the marathon distance itself. Next time, on November 8 2009, it is run for the 27th time.
So far, the marathon field has been made up of about 4,000 runners; a relatively small field
which still allows for marathoners to enjoy the uniqueness of running with 2,500
years of history under their feet. For runners who wish to experience a little history
in the city that gave birth to western civilization, but don’t fancy a 42 km run
in hilly Attica, the Athens Classic Marathon also features a 5 and a 10 km run –
both starting and finishing in the Panathinaiko Stadium. In addition to this, it
is possible to walk the entire marathon route if you start out 2 hours before the runners
begin.
The Athens Classic Marathon probably isn’t the best race to go PB hunting, as the
course is rather challenging with the start line near the sea and the finish line
in central Athens at 110 m above sea level. Along the way, runners will have to climb
a number of hills, including the base of Mount Pendeli. The marathon ends in the
Panathinaiko Stadium built entirely in white marble for the first modern Olympics
in 1896. The marble stadium is located on the same spot where remains of an ancient
stadium used for the original Olympic Games in ancient Greece were excavated. So
what the course lacks in flatness, it certainly makes up for in historic significance.
One of the most popular marathons in Europe and by far the most popular run in Greece.
Registration for the marathon in Athens? Follow the links below.
You will find registration information for the marathon in Athens, Greece,
here.
Athens Classic Marathon Course
The course of Athens Classic Marathon gives you the possibility to challenge yourself
and be part of history at the same time. Go
here
for course map and elevation profile.
See more infomation and Results on the next page:
Athens Classic Marathon Results and Information