- Sun 8 Nov 2026
- Fundraising required
09:00
Age 20 & over
£50-£145
- 26.2 miles road running
Event overview
Iconic, historic, challenging
The Athens Marathon is not about speed — it’s about strength, grit and achievement. This legendary point-to-point course climbs steadily from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium, testing your endurance every step of the way. Finish here and you won’t just earn a medal — you’ll earn bragging rights for conquering one of the world’s most iconic and challenging marathons.
Run for charity
Running the Athens Marathon for charity adds deeper meaning to an already powerful experience. Every mile you tackle helps fund vital causes, from medical research to community and humanitarian projects. Charity runners often benefit from expert fundraising advice, tailored training support and race-day encouragement, helping you stay motivated through the toughest sections of the course.
What are charity places?
Charity places give you a guaranteed entry to the Athens Marathon in return for committing to raise funds for a chosen cause. By securing a charity place, you’ll receive:
- Guaranteed race entry
- Ongoing charity support
- Fundraising tools and guidance
- The chance to honour the marathon’s historic roots by running with purpose
It’s an unforgettable way to take on the original marathon route — and make your run count for far more than the finish line.
Benefits of running for charity
Your dedicated charity team will stand with you every step of the way and keep you motivated when the going gets tough.
Running the Athens Marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
Prefer to enter directly? General entry options are explained on the Athens Marathon | The Authentic page.
Event photos
Charity places
This charity has places in the event. To secure your charity place, simply find a charity then book a charity place or join a charity team with your own place.
What is 'Quick book'? Save time and secure your place immediately using our simple booking system - look for charities marked 'Quick book'.
Event details
- Average fitness
- Beginner-friendly
- Event village
- Spectators
- Cut off time
- Distance markers
- First aid
- Headphones allowed
- Hilly
- Navigation not required
- Point to point
- Sweeper
- Timed section
- Toilets
- Traffic free
- Water stations
- Wave start
- Way markers
- GPX available
GPX route
The route is displayed on the map above.
Overview
The Athens Authentic Marathon follows the legendary course run in 490 BC, starting in the town of Marathon and finishing in central Athens. The route rolls inland before delivering a long, relentless climb from around 10km to 31km, testing strength and pacing. From there, it’s a fast, downhill charge through the city streets, building atmosphere with every step, before a breathtaking finish inside the historic Panathenaic Stadium.
Route highlights
- Start in the town of Marathon, birthplace of the marathon
- Early rolling roads before the main challenge begins
- Sustained uphill section (10–31km) – the heart of the test
- Crowded city streets fuel the late-race momentum
- Fast downhill final kilometres into Athens
- Iconic finish inside the Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of marble
- A true point-to-point course steeped in history
Cut off
8 hours.
- Bag transfer
- Changing facilities
- Secure bag storage
- Toilets
Fundraising
- Fundraising materials
- Fundraising required
- Fundraising support
- Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
Every marathoner needs to run the Athens Marathon. It is far better than the majors. Outstanding organisation for a point-to-point course from Marathon to Athens, with transport to the start well handled. An unforgettable experience on a truly historic route. Dasen P
An amazing race, but it is difficult! Γιώργος Κ
The experience of taking part in the most historical marathon race in the world is breathtaking. It is one of the most difficult courses with an incredible finish. The last 300 metres feel like travelling thousands of years back in time. Giorgos K
Very good race!!! Manolikaki I
Perfect! Giorgos K
The historical route of the ancient Greeks. Excellent organisation. Ikonomou D
Fantastic race!!! Κωνσταντίνος Γ
Every year, the same message — ΝΕΝΙΚΗΚΑΜΕΝ!!! Κωνσταντίνος Γ
Very good organisation and a unique feeling running the authentic marathon. Panagiotis T
This is a standard race for me. Really nothing to complain about! Alexandra T
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
What's included
- Certificate
- Chip timing
- Drinks
- Medal
- Snacks
- Trophy