Every November, Athens celebrates the race that gave the marathon its name.
The 43rd Athens Marathon, The Authentic takes place across 7-8 November 2026, bringing runners and spectators to Athens for a weekend of races culminating in the iconic 42.195 km journey from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium.
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The main Athens Marathon takes place on Sunday 8 November 2026, starting at 08:30 from Marathon and finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium in central Athens.
But the celebrations begin several days earlier.
Athens Marathon Weekend 2026
Saturday 7 November
• Kids 1.2 km race: 16:00
• 5 km Road Race: 17:00
• 5 km Universities Night Run: 20:00
Sunday 8 November
• 10 km Road Race: 08:00
• Athens Marathon: 08:30
The official Runners' Center and Marathon Expo will be held at the Tae-Kwon-Do Olympic Venue in Palaio Faliro from Wednesday 4 November, with opening hours varying by day.
Where does the Athens Marathon Start and Finish?
This isn't simply a marathon through the streets of Athens.
The race starts in Marathon, outside Athens, before runners make the full 42.195 km journey towards the capital. The finish line awaits inside the Panathenaic Stadium, creating one of the most distinctive finishes in distance running.
The Panathenaic Stadium is particularly significant as the venue associated with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
For spectators staying in Athens, the stadium and surrounding city centre become the natural focus of race day.
What is the Athens Marathon Route?
The Athens Marathon follows a point-to-point course from Marathon to central Athens, rather than looping around the city.
The official race starts in Marathon and ends inside the Panathenaic Stadium.
It's the history behind that journey that makes this race so different from a typical city marathon. The Athens Marathon is closely associated with the legendary journey from the Battle of Marathon to Athens that went on to inspire the modern marathon.
So, for many runners, the appeal isn't simply covering 42.195 kilometres. It's completing that distance here.
Where should spectators go?
If you're travelling with a runner rather than running yourself, make the Panathenaic Stadium and central Athens your focus.
The marathon finishes inside the stadium, while several of the weekend's other races also finish there. The official programme also includes a Sponsors Village at Zappeion Megaron, across from the stadium, from 08:00-18:00 on Sunday.
With so much activity centred around this part of Athens, spectators can experience the race atmosphere before exploring the surrounding city after the finish.
What to do after the athens marathon
Crossing the finish line calls for a proper Athenian celebration.
Once the medal is safely around your neck, this is not the evening for an ambitious sightseeing itinerary.
Instead, slow everything down.
Head into Kolonaki for dinner and drinks, find a neighbourhood taverna for a long Greek meal, or settle somewhere around central Athens where you can toast the day's achievement without venturing too far.
Greek food is particularly well suited to a post-marathon celebration: shared plates, grilled meats and fish, fresh salads and plenty of options for a long, relaxed dinner.
And if you've spent the previous few days preparing for the race, give yourself an extra day afterwards to experience Athens properly. The Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Plaka, National Archaeological Museum and Lycabettus Hill can all wait until your legs are ready again.
Make a Weekend of it
The Athens Marathon doesn't have to be just a flying visit for race day.
Arrive a little earlier and you can collect your race materials, visit the Marathon Expo and get settled before Sunday morning. The official Runners' Center and Expo opens on Wednesday 4 November and continues through Saturday.
After the race, staying another night or two gives you the opportunity to see the Athens you might have missed while focusing on kilometres, hydration and start times.
For first-time visitors, combine the city's ancient landmarks with neighbourhoods like Kolonaki and Plaka, a walk around Lycabettus Hill and plenty of time for Greek food along the way.
Why Stay at Athens Zafolia Hotel for the Athens Marathon?
For marathon weekend, having a comfortable base away from the busiest tourist streets while remaining connected to central Athens can make the trip much easier.
Athens Zafolia Hotel sits at the foot of Lycabettus Hill on Alexandras Avenue, giving guests a central Athens base for the wider weekend.
For runners, it means somewhere comfortable to return to after 42.195 km.
For friends and family, it provides a base for combining marathon weekend with a few days discovering Athens.
And once race day is over, you're well placed to swap running shoes for something slightly more leisurely and enjoy the city.