Running the Athens Marathon in Greece

I never thought I would run the Athens Marathon, Greece. But, a few months ago, the nurse asked me if I was a runner at my annual checkup. “Yes, I’m a runner,” I confessed. I had recently done well in a 5k race but didn’t want to brag.

She lit up a little bit as she asked me,  “Yeah? Me, too!  I’m training for my third marathon. Have you done many of them?”

Do you know that feeling when you realize you’re out of your league? “Um, no, not exactly. I run a few times a week and mostly run in 5k races here and there,” I said.

“Oh. Well, that’s great, too. I like the longer distances, I guess.”

Athens Marathon Greece | Training for a Marathon

When I meet people who are training for a marathon, I wonder if I have what it takes to run 26.2 miles. This feat has different motivations—some run for a cause, some for personal goals, and some for competition.

I would need a healthy dose of all of these. But even then, I’d need the additional incentive of a terrific location to inspire me to keep going. Races like the Athens Marathon pique my interest. However, a trip to Greece is a few notches higher on my bucket list than running a marathon.

History of the Marathon

I discovered that The Athens Marathon is the same route run by Pheidippides in 490 BC. He was a soldier who ran from Greece to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persian army. Legend has it that just after his announcement, he collapsed and died (training is essential, people!). You can read more about it at www.athensmarathon.com.

Today, the Athens Marathon is still a big deal. Accomplished runners may even appreciate the terrain, as many uphill and downhill portions add to the challenge. I appreciate that the race acknowledges power walking, which might be the only way I could finish it. The course takes runners through historical landmarks so that even during the race, you get to enjoy the sites of Greece.

And that is the kind of motivation I would need. If I’m going to move my body 26.2 without a vehicle, it needs to be a very scenic route.

Suppose you’re interested in running the Athens Marathon or want to be there for the excitement. In that case, the Hotel Grande Bretagne offers participants a daily breakfast buffet.

The dining room overlooks the Acropolis. Moreover, the hotel presents a special breakfast basket on the day of the race. These are just a few of the amenities to enjoy when running the Athens Marathon in Greece

The travel specialists at Luxury Yacht Charters, a division of CKIM Group, not only assist with hotel bookings but also provide fantastic options to ensure you have an exceptional trip experience. Their expertise can enhance your overall travel experience.

Article Written by Meredith George

You make the memories. We make the arrangements.