Athens Marathon 2026

What is the route of the Athens Marathon 2026

The marathon starts in the town of Marathon, next to the site where tradition places the 490 BC battle, and follows a one-way route into central Athens. The start is scheduled for 9:00 AM.

In the opening kilometres the course passes the tomb of the Athenian soldiers who fell in the battle and runs close to the coast near Nea Makri, on a still-manageable profile.

From kilometre 10 the toughest section of the race begins: a continuous climb up to kilometre 31, regarded as the hardest uphill of any major marathon in the world. This is the decisive part of the race, where pacing matters most.

After the highest point, the course heads downhill towards the centre of Athens, entering the city along Vasilissis Sofias Avenue before covering the final metres inside the Panathenaic Stadium, a unique white-marble finish in front of thousands of spectators. The cut-off time to finish is 8 hours.

Key kilometer points of the Athens Marathon 2026

• Km 0-10 — Salida en la ciudad de Maratón

  Arranque junto al lugar donde la tradición sitúa la batalla del 490 a.C., pasando cerca de la tumba de los soldados atenienses y la costa de Nea Makri.

• Km 10-31 — La gran subida

  Ascenso continuo hasta el kilómetro 31, considerado la subida más exigente de cualquier gran maratón del mundo.

• Km 31-40 — Bajada hacia Atenas

  Tras el punto más alto, el recorrido baja hacia el centro entrando por la avenida Vasilíssis Sofías.

• Km 40-42,195 — Meta en el Estadio Panathinaikó

  Los últimos metros discurren dentro del histórico estadio de mármol blanco, ante miles de espectadores.

Where to stay for the Athens Marathon 2026

For most runners, staying in central Athens (Syntagma, Plaka or Kolonaki) is the best option: it's where the main pickup points are for the buses to the start in the town of Marathon, and you can walk back after crossing the finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium.

The closer your hotel is to the pickup point (Syntagma is the main one), the better: a 10-minute walk to the bus at 5 am is very different from a 25-minute one.

As this is a very international marathon, it's worth booking well in advance, especially around Syntagma.

Getting there from the airport for the Athens Marathon 2026

Athens Airport is connected to the centre by metro Line 3, reaching Syntagma directly in about 40 minutes, with no transfers.

The ticket costs €9 and trains run every 30 minutes, between 6:30 am and 11:30 pm.

There are also cheaper express buses, though the metro is the fastest and most reliable option to reach the centre.

Frequently Asked Questions about Athens Marathon 2026

When does the Athens Marathon 2026 take place?

The marathon runs on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM from the town of Marathon.

What is the time limit to finish the marathon?

The maximum time is 8 hours, a generous margin designed for both fast runners and those who walk much of the course.

Where is the finish line?

The finish is inside the historic Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), built of marble and host of the 1896 Olympic Games.

Where and when do I collect my bib?

Bibs and race kits are collected at the Runners' Center, set up at the Faliro Indoor Hall, in the days before the race; bibs cannot be collected on race day itself.

How often are the refreshment stations?

The course has fifteen aid stations between km 5 and km 40, offering water, isotonic drink and solid food such as bananas in the final stretches.

Is this marathon particularly hilly?

Yes. The long climb between km 10 and km 31 is considered the toughest uphill of any major marathon, so specific hill training is recommended.

What do I receive after finishing?

Every finisher receives a commemorative medal, certificate, technical t-shirt and runner's bag.

About Athens Marathon 2026

The Athens Marathon (Athens Authentic Marathon) is the most historic race in the world: it retraces the route that, according to legend, the soldier Pheidippides ran in 490 BC to announce the Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon, and it's the distance that inspired the marathon at the 1896 Olympic Games. Every November it brings together runners from all over the world wanting to live this unique experience.

The course is demanding: it combines a long climb between kilometre 10 and 31 — considered the toughest uphill of any major marathon — with a final downhill stretch into central Athens. It's not a fast marathon, but it's one of the most symbolic and spectacular on the international calendar.

The Athens Marathon takes place on November 8, 2026, starting in the town of Marathon and finishing inside the historic Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of marble and host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Taking part is an opportunity to run where the marathon itself began.