Legend has it that the world’s first marathon occurred on the route where the Athens Marathon now takes place. In 490 BC the Persian army invaded the small town of Marathon near the Greek coast. After the defeat of the Persians, the messenger Pheidippides was sent to Athens to bring news of the victory. Pheidippides ran 26 miles from the battlefield to Athens as fast as he could - and in doing so inspired the marathon distance, as we know it today. In taking part in the authentic Athens Marathon, you will follow in ancient Pheidippides’ footsteps, finishing the race in the magnificent Olympic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.
DATES
2025
DATE | REG FEE | MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP | |
---|---|---|---|
8 Nov 2025 | £195 | £1,290 | BOOK NOW |
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1
You will depart from a London based airport to arrive in Athens midday. Your Choose a Challenge representatives will meet you at the airport and take you via private bus to your accommodation in the centre of Athens. You will receive an arrival briefing before heading to the Expo to pick up your runner number. In the evening, the team will meet for a pre race carbo-loading meal in preparation for the 42.195kms ahead. This is a great opportunity to mix with your fellow runners and exchange top tips and training stories. A pre-marathon briefing will also be given to ensure that you are fully prepared and able to ask any last minute questions.
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DAY 2
Today is the day you have all been waiting for – it’s race day! You will have breakfast at the hostel before heading to the start line in plenty of time for the 9am start. You will also be directed to an
appointed meeting area that you should look out for as soon as you cross the finish line. There will be refreshment stations along the course providing water and isotonic drinks. The Choose a Challenge team will also be stationed along the course to cheer you on and at the finish line to give you a huge well done! As you enter the final stretch within the Olympic Stadium, soak up the carnival atmosphere and the roar of the crowds cheering you on with your incredible achievement! The Choose a Challenge team will also be stationed along the course to cheer you on and at the finish line to give you a huge well done! After the race you will have time to freshen up and stretch out your muscles before a celebratory dinner. Multi-share accommodation. Breakfast included. Celebratory evening meal.
DAY 3
Today, you will have a well-deserved lie in. After breakfast, you will have a free day to enjoy Athens. You can use your free entry to
Acropolis Museum and explore this historic city! Breakfast included.
DAY 4
Today will be your final chance to explore Athens. After a little free time, you will need to collect your bags from the hostel and depart for the airport for your return flight to the UK. Breakfast included.
WAYS TO PAY
To get started on your challenge, all you need to do is pay your registration fee, as listed below. Once you are booked onto your challenge, it’s time to start your fundraising!
When taking on a challenge with us, you can rest assured that all of the money you fundraise throughout the year will go directly to the charity you are supporting. Once you hit that all important fundraising target and your place on the challenge is confirmed, the charity will use this money to cover the remaining costs of your challenge as well as to further the vital services that they provide. All of our challenges operate on a minimum 50:50 cost to donation ratio and 100% of any Gift Aid or funds that you raise above your target will stay with your charity.
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or get in touch with the Choose a Challenge team.