Athens is a beautiful city with a rich history, and it is also a great place for runners. With its mild climate and varied terrain, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in running races throughout the year. If you’re looking to take part in some of the most exciting running races in Athens this year, here’s a list of some of the running races that you should definitely try while visiting Athens.

Along with all of these amazing events, you could also check out our Athens Running Tours, and see if there is anything that catches your eye.

Athens Marathon 2023

Date:  November 12, 2023

Duration: 3 nights

Distance: Marathon, 10k, 5k 

Go! Running Tours Athens have competed in this marathon in past years and enjoyed some success and challenges (oxygen at the end!) in completing the event; but it is worth the effort to finish this magical distance when you cross that finish line to cheering from friends, family, and spectators!  

The Athens Authentic Marathon brings history to life. You now have the opportunity to run this one-of-a-kind and truly memorable marathon route, which concludes in the legendary stadium where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896.

Race Details:

The Athens Marathon offers a historic route that welcomes runners with its numerous sights along the way, including the Marathon Tomb. The race follows the “Original Course” from the ancient city of Marathon to the Athens Olympic Stadium.

The Athens Marathon begins with a twelve-kilometer flat stretch, giving you plenty of time to warm up your legs before tackling the slightly more difficult nineteen-kilometer course with gradually climbing hills. The climb is worthwhile because it allows runners to run a downhill final 11 kilometres to the finish. Thousands of spectators will cheer you on as you cross the finish line in Athens’ magnificent Panathinaikos Olympic Stadium after the 26-mile journey.

Athens Marathon The Authentic

Date:  November 11-12, 2023

Duration: 2 nights

Distance: 10k, 5k 

The Athens Marathon The Authentic is the oldest and most famous of the world’s marathons and is held in the same place that the original marathon was held, in 490 BC. This event commemorates the run of the messenger who, according to legend, ran from the battlefield of the Marathon to Athens to bring news of the Greek victory over the Persians. The course is the same as the original marathon, starting in the town of Marathon and ending at the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens. The Athens Marathon The Authentic is a unique event and a fantastic experience for all runners.

Poseidon Athens Half Marathon

Date:  April 23, 2023

Duration: 2 nights

Distance: 5k, 10.55k, 21.1k

The Poseidon Athens Half Marathon is a challenging 13.1 mile run that takes place along the coast and through the city streets, offering runners the opportunity to take in the stunning views of this historic city. The event is open to both amateur and professional athletes and is a great way to experience the beauty of Athens and test one’s endurance.

Athens Half Marathon

Date:  March 19, 2023

Start time: 9:00am

The Athens Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile course winds through the historic city, taking runners along iconic landmarks like the Parthenon and the Acropolis. The event is organized in partnership with the Athens Marathon Association and the Greek Sports Federation. The race is open to all ages and abilities, making it an ideal way to experience the beauty of the city.

Smaller Races in Athens 

AthHalf Half Marathon & 5K

Date:  October 2023

The AthHalf Half Marathon & 5K is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Athens. The half marathon route takes runners through Athens’ historic districts, downtown, and the UGA campus, with local Athens bands performing live along the way. The 5K course explores downtown Athens and the Boulevard neighbourhood, with a live band at the start and finish line to help you celebrate your accomplishment. Residents of Athens turn out in force to cheer on and entertain runners along the route, adding to the fun energy of these popular events.

The AthHalf is produced annually by the nonprofit organisation AthFest Educates, and race proceeds support our mission of funding high-quality music and arts education programming for local K-12 youth. When you run the AthHalf, you directly affect a child’s access to music and the arts.

Modern Athens Tour

Date:  Various

Go! Running Tours Modern Athens running tour includes a full circle of the block of Parliament and the National Garden before going straight to the Athens Stadium where the 1st Modern Olympic Games took place (1896). The flea market, the Town Hall and the modern Museum of Acropolis are included in this Tour. We check also the 3 famous buildings of the “Athenian Trilogy of Neoclassicism” which are the National Library, the 1st University of Athens and the building of the Academy of Athens.

We hope this list of running races in Athens in 2023 helps you find the perfect race for you! Good luck and happy running!

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