EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas (center) with SEGAS athletes during their meeting. Photo source: Apostolos Tzitzikostas press office
The 42nd Athens Marathon. The Authentic is embracing a new “green” initiative with the support of the European Commission, aiming to strengthen the event’s sustainable identity.
Scheduled for November 8–9, the marathon is inspired by the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce Greece’s victory over the Persians in 490 BC. Today, it is one of Greece’s largest sporting events, drawing both amateur and professional runners, and includes a special route for children.
To strengthen its environmental message, the European Commission Representation in Greece will provide 85,000 recycled-material bags to participants, helping to reduce the event’s ecological footprint.
EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas announced the European Commission’s decision during a recent meeting with the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS).
“This year, through the EU Representation, we are supporting the Authentic Athens Marathon with an environmental initiative that serves a dual purpose: to highlight the event’s international appeal and global identity, and to promote the message of environmental protection and sustainability,” Tzitzikostas said.
The bags are expected to significantly reduce the marathon’s environmental footprint by saving 12 tons of plastic, underscoring the event’s positive environmental impact. The initiative also supports green mobility, with estimates showing that the marathon helps prevent the release of 250 tons of carbon dioxide.
Athens Marathon to welcome over 100.000 runners
Photo source: Apostolos Tzitzikostas press office
Co-organized by the Region of Attica and SEGAS, the marathon is expected to welcome over 100,000 runners in an upgraded event catering to both professionals and amateurs.
“We are continuously improving the quality standards of the race and creating the conditions for this running event to gain even greater recognition among runners worldwide,” said SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa, adding that the 42nd Athens Marathon is set to be the “best of all times”.
Reflecting this strong interest, registrations opened on April 8, and within just a week, slots for the 41.2km race and its parallel events are filled. According to organizers, only a few spots remain for the 5km OPAP Universities Night Run, which are expected to sell out soon.
Race schedule
The event features a variety of races suitable for all age groups and skill levels. Participants will have the opportunity to run past some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks before crossing the finish line at the historic Panathenaic Stadium. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, November 8
– 5:00 p.m.: 5km COSMOTE Road Race
– 7:15 p.m.: 5km OPAP Universities Night Run
Sunday, November 9
– 8:15 a.m.: 10km OPAP Road Race
– 9:00 a.m.: 41,2km Marathon Race
– 10:30 a.m.: 1.2km COSMOTE Kids Race
More information about the program is available here.
The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor of the 42nd Athens Marathon. The Authentic.
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