Athens Marathon "The Authentic" is the race that started it all. This is the original marathon route, from the town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where the first modern Olympic marathon finished in 1896. Not a World Major, but arguably the most historically significant marathon in the world.
Capped at 25,000 runners, it sells out. Registration is first-come, first-served with no qualifying time needed. For the official entry and all details, head to the Athens Marathon website.
Key Dates
- Race Day: Nov 8, 2026
- Registration Window: Expected Apr 2027
This year's registration has closed. The next window is expected Apr 2027. Set up a BibsAlert now and we'll email you the moment the Athens Marathon registration reopens, so next time you're first in instead of locked out.
How to Enter the Athens Marathon
1. General Registration (First-Come, First-Served)
The entry fee is €75 at the Advanced Registration Level and €165 at the Full Registration Level. Registration opens on the official website. International runners are welcome, and there's no qualifying time needed.
2. Tour Operators / Travel Packages
Several international operators offer packages that include race entry, accommodation, and guided tours. This can be a convenient option for international runners.
The Course
The Athens Marathon is a point-to-point course from Marathon to Athens. It's famously hilly. There's a significant uphill section between KM 10 and KM 31, then a downhill run into Athens.
This is NOT a fast course. Don't come to Athens expecting a personal best. Instead, come for the experience: you finish inside the Panathenaic Stadium, the marble stadium from the 1896 Olympics. It's an unforgettable moment.
If you're chasing a PB, look at Amsterdam or Berlin instead. Athens is about history, not speed.
Missed Out?
Spots for the Athens Marathon sell out fast. If you missed this year's window, you still have options:
- Charity & partner entries: Many races reserve guaranteed places with charity partners and official tour operators, even after general entry sells out. Check the official website for partners.
- Official tour operators: International partners such as Marathon Tours & Travel, Sports Tours International and Apostolos Greek Tours hold guaranteed-entry allocations with their travel packages, often available long after the race sells out.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for marathons with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Be ready next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the moment registration opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Athens Marathon course hilly?
Yes. There is a significant net uphill from Marathon to the halfway point, with the toughest section between KM 10-31. The final 10K is mostly downhill into Athens.
Can I transfer my entry?
Transfers are generally not permitted. Check the official terms for the current year.
What's the time limit?
The time limit is 8 hours, making it accessible to all runners.
Related Races
Amsterdam Marathon
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Europe's flattest and fastest course
Mumbai Marathon
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India's largest marathon
Los Angeles Marathon
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Stadium to the Sea
Looking Ahead
If registration for the current edition is sold out, the next edition typically opens in spring. Since it's first-come, first-served, registering early gets the best price.
Catch the Next Athens Marathon Registration
This year's window has closed. The next window is expected Apr 2027. Set up a BibsAlert and you'll get an email the moment entries reopen.