Why I Chose to Run the Athens Marathon
Back in April 2024, on a quiet day—and the 2-year anniversary of my first marathon in Malta—I was scrolling through old race photos. I wasn’t exactly in marathon shape and was feeling a bit aimless without a goal. Then the idea hit me: run one more marathon. But not just any marathon. If I was going to do a final one, I wanted it to be either one of the World Marathon Majors or the original, the Athens Marathon, where the entire concept of the marathon began.
The problem? Getting into a Major is either pure luck or requires a qualifying time I didn’t have. So suddenly, the Athens Marathon became the obvious choice. Historic, iconic, and deeply symbolic; the birthplace of the marathon itself.
I had sworn I wouldn’t do it again (classic runner talk), but the pull of running in its origin city was too strong. I needed a goal, I wanted to prove I could, and honestly, does that ever happen to you?
I immediately messaged my aunt, my running buddy, and before I even finished typing, she replied “YES!”. We booked our race tickets that very same day.
How to Register for the Athens Marathon
- Event Date: Second weekend of November (ours was Sunday, 10th November 2024)
- Registration Price: €55 – €65 (included: goodie bag, Adidas event T-shirt, and finishers medal)
- Where to Register: The official registration website
Tips:
- Registration opens around March. Book early for the best price.
- Late entries jump to higher price tiers.
Getting From Athens Airport to the City
Here are the main ways to get from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) into central Athens:
- Bus X95 ~€5.50, ~50 minutes. Direct route to Syntagma square in central Athens.
- Metro (Line 3): ~€9, ~40 minutes. Runs every 30 minutes. To Syntagma or Monastiraki.
- Taxi / Uber / Bolt: ~€45, ~30–45 minutes. Uber & Bolt in Athens connects with official yellow taxis, making rides simple and safe.
- Booking transfers in advance can sometimes be a bit cheaper. Check options on Welcome Pick-Ups.
Where to Stay for the Athens Marathon
Travelling in a group of eight, we decided on this stunning apartment near Syntagma Square for several reasons:
- It’s one of the official shuttle pickup points for the marathon.
- It’s central, walking distance to shops, cafés, and sights.
- The apartment had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and an amazing Acropolis view, especially at night.
Staying near Syntagma made both marathon logistics and sightseeing effortless.
For smaller groups, I’ve previously stayed at the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel, a 4-star spot right in the city center, and I can highly recommend it.
Athens Marathon EXPO
Location: Faliro Indoor Hall & Exhibition Centre
Time: Wednesday–Saturday before the race
Highlights:
- Collect race bib, goodie bag, and T-shirt
- Check-out major brands: Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Puma, Hoka, Maurten (& more)
- Photo opportunities and shopping
Tips:
- Visit Wednesday through Friday to skip the long lines, or arrive right when it opens at 10 AM
- Plan 2–3 hours for your visit
- Uber or metro (Line 1 to Faliro) + short walk works well for transport
Marathon Day
Morning Shuttle: 05:30–06:45 AM from Syntagma and 5 other pickup points
Start Time: 9:00 AM (waves every 10 minutes)
Participants: 40,000+ runners
Course Highlights:
- Total elevation gain: ~385m
- KM 0–20: Rolling terrain
- KM 20–31: Continuous ascent (toughest section)
- KM 31–42: Mostly downhill to the finish
- Finish Line: The last 170 meters take you inside the iconic Panathenaic Stadium — the only major stadium in the world built entirely of marble and a historic symbol of both ancient and modern Olympic heritage. Emotions run high as you make that final lap and cross the line!
- Cut-off: 8 hours depending on your start block
Tips:
- It’s chilly on the early-morning ride from Athens to Marathon, so plan to wear a long-sleeved layer.
- Bag drop happens before 8 a.m., and once you hand it in, you won’t have access to any of your belongings—including extra clothing—unless you’re willing to discard it during the race (items left on the course are collected for charity).
- Make sure to pack the plastic poncho from your goodie bag. It was a total lifesaver for us, keeping us warm during the hour-long wait before the start. When you reach the starting line, there are bins where you can throw it.
My Experience Running the Athens Marathon
The start line of the Athens Marathon is electric. Even at sunrise, Marathon buzzed with energy; runners wrapped in blue ponchos, nerves and excitement mixing together.
Once you start, the energy carries you. As you run through Nea Makri, the Aegean Sea stretches out beside you, a breathtaking distraction. In the rural villages, children hand out olive branches, locals cheer from the streets, live bands play, and petrol stations spray runners with water. Marshals shout encouragement like you’re winning. No matter how tired you feel, you can’t help but smile!
The support from locals is incredible; it felt like the whole country showed up. Even at KM 25, when it starts to hurt, I never felt alone. The runners around me and the cheering crowd carried me forward.
Logistics were flawless: shuttles ran smoothly, bag drop was easy, signage was clear, and toilets were plentiful. Aid stations — 15 in total — offered water every 5 km, isotonic drinks, fruit, and even Coca-Cola towards the end. First aiders were always nearby for support.
Crossing the finish line inside the Panathenaic Stadium — the only major stadium in the world built entirely of marble — was overwhelming. As they dressed me with the medal and cheered me on, I burst into tears, completely overwhelmed by the experience, the crowd, and the sense of accomplishment. A moment I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Why Crossing That Line Matters More Than Your Pace
Running a marathon is more than just a race; it’s commitment. It’s training through scorching summers or freezing, rainy mornings. It’s mental resilience at its best, the kind I crave because it pushes me far beyond my comfort zone.
I’m not a natural runner, so I know the struggle; the long hours, the slow kilometers, constantly rearranging life to fit training in. But nothing compares to the feeling of crossing that finish line. And finishing inside the iconic Panathenaic Stadium is an experience I’ll never forget.
So whether it’s your first marathon or the Athens Marathon, where it all began; plan ahead, pace yourself, and embrace the journey. With an 8-hour cutoff, you can finish, even if you walk parts of it (or most of it!). What matters is that you show up and you cross that line!
Departure Day – Airport Tips
- Plan plenty of time if flying out post-marathon. Walking to security and check-in can be 20+ minutes, and muscle soreness makes it feel longer.
- Consider Uber, Bolt, or taxi if travelling with luggage.
After the Marathon Comes Athens
If you’re thinking about running the Athens Marathon, I hope this convinced you that it’s worth every step. Before you go, make sure you’re fully prepared; check out my marathon packing list to ensure you have all the essentials for race day, from running gear to recovery items.
And if you’re already making the trip, don’t just fly in and out. Athens deserves at least 2–3 days of exploring, and I’ve written a full guide on how to spend a few days in the city; from historic landmarks to hidden neighbourhoods like Plaka, Anafiotika, and Monastiraki.
You’ll also find my top food recommendations, including the best spots for brunch, loukoumades, gyros, and traditional meze; whether you’re carb-loading before the race or celebrating after it.
👉 Head to my Athens itinerary guide next and turn your marathon trip into a full cultural adventure.
Happy Travels! x
Travel is better when shared. Come be part of my journey on Instagram @journeywithme.mt, where I swap stories, tips, and travel inspiration with fellow explorers.
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.