Stay updated on Greek investment immigration and news from Greece. The 28th Classic Marathon will take place in Athens on October 31, covering a distance of 42 kilometers, starting from the town of Marathon and finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. This year, the Athens Marathon has become one of the most important "golden events" among marathons worldwide. The highly anticipated Athens Classic Marathon proudly celebrates the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, which occurred in 490 BC and gave rise to the marathon sport. Let us take a moment to reflect on its history.
French historian Michel Bréal proposed the establishment of the marathon race at the first modern Olympic Games to honor the patriotic warrior Phidippides, who ran back to Athens to announce victory in the Battle of Marathon. This event was successfully added at the first Olympic Games in 1896, turning the legend of the Greek soldier into reality, with Greek Spyridon Louis winning the championship of the inaugural Olympic marathon.
Since 1896, the Classic Athens Marathon has continued the original marathon route to commemorate the heroic deeds of Greek soldier Phidippides in the Battle of Marathon. This year marks the 2500th anniversary of the battle, and many participants from Greece and around the world have registered for this rare event, including numerous world-renowned figures. At the same time, this year's marathon also commemorates a great peace activist, scientist, and politician, Mr. Gregoris Lambrakis, who in 1963 was the first to imbue the spirit of peace into the marathon.
The continuous innovation of the organizers of the Classic Marathon has become a hallmark, inspiring all those involved. On this 2500th anniversary, a commemorative medal celebrating the Battle of Marathon will become its unique symbol.
Since 2007, each Athens Classic Marathon has included a marathon torch ceremony, which has been adopted by marathons worldwide. This year's marathon torch ceremony will take place on October 30 at the memorial tomb of the Battle of Marathon, followed by a torch relay to the starting point of the race.
Additionally, a cultural festival commemorating the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon will be held at the Zappeion. The Hellenic National Sports Organization has hosted the "Marathon Exhibition" at the Zappeion in Athens for four consecutive years, with this year's exhibition running from October 28 to 30, focusing on sports, tourism, and health. During this period, the 18th World Congress of the International Marathon Association will be held at the Zappeion, with over 100 marathon organizations from around the world participating in the 28th Athens Classic Marathon.