Overall Rating
Overall Rating (8 Reviews)
4
(8 Ratings)  (8 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
4.1
SCENERY
3.4
PRODUCTION
4.3
SWAG
4
The Athens Marathon, the Authentic Marathon, is not just a sporting event, a hard race, a tough course of 42,195m. More than that, the Athens Marathon, the Authentic Marathon, is a bridge that unifies the legend with history; it showcases the strength of human will; it is a fountain of … MORE
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Recent reviews

    marimendoza FIRST-TIMER '23

    Difficult...hills and heat! but absolutely a wonderful experience tho I needed more than 5 mos training bc prior id only run several 10ks, not even a half. Run starts 9am … MORE

    Difficult…hills and heat! but absolutely a wonderful experience tho I needed more than 5 mos training bc prior id only run several 10ks, not even a half. Run starts 9am but bc we had to depart from Athens to city of Marathon by their provided buses at 6ish, by arrival we had to keep warmed up for still at least 1 1/2 hrs whilst keeping my nervousness at bay. Overall a must experience to cross the finish line inside the ancient Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. Many locals run this race for its historical significance to the origin of the “marathon”. I realized afterwards the true meaning of what it meant to endure the training of a marathon vs celebrating the completion of the run. This may be a one and done because fueling along the way was my biggest challenge.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    johnang84 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This race was a constant uphill until mile 20. After mile 20 when it starts going downhill, my mistake was running hard to finish my goal of under 4 hours. … MORE

    This race was a constant uphill until mile 20. After mile 20 when it starts going downhill, my mistake was running hard to finish my goal of under 4 hours. I started cramping multiple times due to that. I was lucky to have finished. Nonetheless, very nice experience. Finishing in the original Olympic stadium was awesome. I like the finishing medal — a classic olympic gold. I’m still using the book bag that came as part of the swag.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    onwards FIRST-TIMER '22

    One of the reviews says don't do it if you want to see Greece - I disagree: it's a good chance to visit Greece with less people and discounted prices. … MORE

    One of the reviews says don’t do it if you want to see Greece – I disagree: it’s a good chance to visit Greece with less people and discounted prices. Everything IS open in November in general and especially around the marathon dates because they know that a lot of tourists are coming.
    In 2022 18, 500 runners (I think) participated in the marathon and 35-40,000 in all running activities.
    It’s a big event and it’s well organized (despite Greece being not the most organized country).
    The course is hilly (my watch counted 1,080′ of gain) and it was sunny and hot for us.
    A lot of participants, but it made it more fun to run, not more difficult. Great support from the locals.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    Mueller375 FIRST-TIMER '19

    #1 point - Don't make this part your first time coming to Greece... Mostly because you are coming during the "Off Season" and many places aren't open or are closing … MORE

    #1 point – Don’t make this part your first time coming to Greece… Mostly because you are coming during the “Off Season” and many places aren’t open or are closing down. This is a great race for someone who’s been to Greece before or has a followup trip planned in the future.
    #2 point – If you are a runner who goes slower than 6.5 hours this race isn’t fun.
    (More will be forthcoming)

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    2
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    1

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    This was extremely well-organized and the swag is great -- bag, shirt, medal. The historical significance makes it really special. I especially enjoyed the excited spectators in crowds along the … MORE

    This was extremely well-organized and the swag is great — bag, shirt, medal. The historical significance makes it really special. I especially enjoyed the excited spectators in crowds along the route and especially in Athens. The race was extremely crowded throughout. Water stations were frequent enough but I found it strange that all the water was in 0.5 liter bottles rather than cups. There was gu offered only about 1/2 way through, which was not frequent enough for me. I was exhausted after and had a hard time with walking halfway around the track to get water and then finding my gear check bag. The excitement around the event was so much fun and I saw many participants wearing their medals around the city that night and the next day.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    M_Sohaskey Mar 22, 2017 at 3:28pm

    I'm jealous just reading about your exhaustion, Rachel... I think they'd have a hard time getting me off that track once I finished. :) Congrats on notching one of the… MORE

    I'm jealous just reading about your exhaustion, Rachel... I think they'd have a hard time getting me off that track once I finished. :) Congrats on notching one of the world's most historic marathons, and thanks for your helpful review! LESS

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    42kman FIRST-TIMER '16

    I took a tour of the course the day before. I am so glad I did. Knowing where the hills were, where they began and stopped was something I keyed … MORE

    I took a tour of the course the day before. I am so glad I did. Knowing where the hills were, where they began and stopped was something I keyed on, especially knowing that it would be downhill the last 10k. Take the tour, its a good way to spend the day and you will benifit from it. The starting line staging area is out in the middle of no where. Bring what you need to prepare yourself for the race. Not much for vendors there. you get to finish in the STADIUM. SMILE BECAUSE YOU ARE A WINNER!!!!!!!!!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    Trevinds FIRST-TIMER '14

    Every serious marathon runner needs to run Athens - the birth place of the marathon. This was my 1st time running the Athens Marathon, and plan to do it again. … MORE

    Every serious marathon runner needs to run Athens – the birth place of the marathon. This was my 1st time running the Athens Marathon, and plan to do it again. The course is challenging, and begins after about mile 6/7 into the race, shortly after departing from the Start – “Marathon.” The hills are rolling, and steep – one right after the other. The crowd support was awesome with everyone yelling out “Bravo” as you passed. The Expo was large, and everyone at the Expo were friendly. The finish of the marathon happens in the 1896 Athens Olympic Stadium – breathtaking! I plan to go back! The Finisher’s Medal and T-Shirt were nice.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

    M_Sohaskey Apr 25, 2018 at 9:25pm

    It almost feels like Athens *needs* plenty of hills, just to ensure it lives up to its reputation. Congrats on conquering one of the classics World Traveler, like you said… MORE

    It almost feels like Athens *needs* plenty of hills, just to ensure it lives up to its reputation. Congrats on conquering one of the classics World Traveler, like you said this feels like a bucket-list race for any serious traveling runner. Just as soon as I finish Comrades and the Majors! So many races, so little time... LESS

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    Trevinds Apr 26, 2018 at 4:48am

    As the Greeks who came out to cheer on the runners - "Bravo to you on running Comrades." I plan on returning to Greece to run the Athens again -… MORE

    As the Greeks who came out to cheer on the runners - "Bravo to you on running Comrades." I plan on returning to Greece to run the Athens again - great city, great oceans, and great people. When u decide to run Athens, I recommend Apostolos Greek Tours, Inc. - the catered strictly to the Athens Marathon, and offer 3 type of trip packages - 12 Day, 6 Day and minimal support - all offer a certain degree of site visits - if u just want to go there and just run the marathon, minimal support is your best option. Paul, who owns the Tour company is a great person, and his team does an outstanding job on all arrangements. Marathon Tours and Travel - I'm sure does an equally fine job as well. LESS

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    M_Sohaskey Apr 26, 2018 at 12:15pm

    Thanks so much, this is great info I'll be keeping in mind when the time comes to plan for Athens!

    Thanks so much, this is great info I'll be keeping in mind when the time comes to plan for Athens!

    Jen & Jane of Marathon Tours made this one super easy to enjoy. We stayed at the Hera, just steps from the Acropolis and Plaka. The hotel was easy to … MORE

    Jen & Jane of Marathon Tours made this one super easy to enjoy. We stayed at the Hera, just steps from the Acropolis and Plaka. The hotel was easy to walk to from the finish line/stadium.

    They drop you off in Marathon and it is crowded there. The race does have some hills. You end in the Olympic Stadium which is awesome. I recommend the event and going with Marathon Tours. Mark this one off your bucket list. Enjoy!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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