Athens Marathon 2021

It’s the marathon that started them all. Last year, we had to make do with a pandemic-era virtual version. But with the welcome news that registration has now opened for the 2021 live event (with some inevitable Covid-related requirements for competitors); we’re daring to hope that this legendary live race, on the bucket list of every long-distance runner on the planet, will indeed get off the blocks.  

Retrace the epic journey of Phidippides, who ran 42km from Marathon to Athens in 490BC to break the news of the Persians’ defeat. If you're not in touch with your inner Forrest Gump, you can bite off something a little less terrifying: there's also a 5km, 10km or Power Walking Race. The ever popular 10km event will be held the day before, on the Saturday, to allow more runners to sign up. Not one for running? Be a spectator and cheer on the heroes of all shapes, races and ages as they cross the finishing line at historic Panathenaic stadium, birthplace of the Modern Olympics. The mood is electric.