Athens Marathon 2026
08.11.26
Marathon
3 Nights
Guaranteed Entry
Athens Authentic Marathon Travel Package
Follow in the footsteps of history with the Athens Authentic Marathon, an unforgettable journey ending in the iconic Olympic Stadium, made seamless and celebratory with Team Sports Tours by your side.
Guarantee your entry to the Athens Marathon and experience the iconic path of the original Marathon, with full support from Team Sports Tours. Enjoy a group shakeout run, welcome drinks, a dedicated cheer zone, and celebrate your achievement at our exclusive post-race party!
The Athens Authentic Marathon course finishes in the legendary stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Now, you have the chance to run this historic and unforgettable marathon route.
ENTRY AND EXTRAS
Marathon Entry
£315
per person
10K Entry
£80
per person
5K Entry
£80
per person
ATHENS MARATHON ROUTE
Following the ‘Original Course’ from the ancient city of Marathon to Athens Olympic Stadium, the Athens Marathon offers a historic course that welcomes runners with its various sights along the way, including the Marathon Tomb. You will start the Athens Marathon with a twelve kilometre flat stretch, giving the perfect time to warm up those legs before taking the slightly more demanding nineteen kilometres with slowly climbing hills. All is made worthwhile as the climb then allows runners to take on a downhill final 11 kilometres towards the finish. After the 26 miles, you will be greeted with thousands of cheers from spectators as you cross the finish line in the breath-taking Athens’ magnificent Panathinaikos Olympic Stadium.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to Athens
Athens International Airport (ATH): The main gateway to Greece, located about 20 km (12 miles) east of the city centre.
• Bus: Express airport buses operate 24/7 to key points in the city. Journey times are typically 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares around €5.50.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside arrivals. A journey into the city centre usually takes 30–45 minutes and costs about €35–€45.
Getting around Athens
• Metro: Athens’ modern metro network has three main lines connecting the city centre, suburbs, and key landmarks, including the Acropolis and Olympic Stadium. Services run frequently from early morning until midnight.
• Taxi: Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive.
• Walking: Many of Athens’ main sights, cafés, and historic districts are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
WHY BOOK WITH US?
With Sports Tours, you never run alone. We’ll meet you at your hotel, escort you to the race expo and get you to the start line with ease. Join us for a 5KM shakeout run, meet fellow runners and celebrate together post-race.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Accommodation at the 4*Divani Palace Acropolis
- 10KM and 5KM races available to book
- Meet & greet drinks
- Guided escorts to the marathon expo by private coach
- Guided escorts to our spectator cheer-zone
- Early race day breakfast
- Transfers to the marathon start area (Marathonas) from the city centre of Athens
- Comprehensive support from Sports Tours reps in your hotel
- Post marathon celebration drinks
Itinerary
DAY 1 – ARRIVE INTO ATHENS
Please arrange your own flight to Athens International Airport (ATH).
The Divani Acropolis Hotel is centrally located in Athens and easily accessible from the airport, with an average transfer time of around 40 minutes.
Your Sports Tours rep will be at the hotel throughout the day to welcome you. In the evening, join the team for welcome drinks at the Divani Palace hotel, a perfect opportunity for solo travellers to meet fellow runners before the marathon.
If you arrive early enough, the Athens marathon will be open for runners to explore.
(Please note, runners will receive a full itinerary in the lead up to the event)
DAY 2 – Athens Marathon 5KM Event
After breakfast, Sports Tours are offering a group 5km shakeout run to shake the legs out before the big day. This group run is for both runners and spectators traveling with Sports Tours.
We will then escort you to the marathon expo today, should you wish to attend the marathon expo yourself, you can head to the TAE KWON DO Indoor Hall & Exhibition Centre of Athens, at the Olympic Faliro Coastal Zone.
Today is also the official 5k road race starting at 17.00 with a finish at the Panathenaic Stadium. You will have a time limit of 60-minutes to complete the race.
DAY 3 – Athens Marathon Race Day!
To start the day, indulge in the early morning breakfast to help fuel your body for the run ahead. After breakfast.
The Athens Marathon begins at 9:00 AM, and the 10k race starts at 8:15 AM, with a 90-minute time limit to complete the 10k. Be sure to arrive at least one hour before the race starts.
On race day, transfer buses will run regularly from the centre of Athens, with the nearest pick-up point about a mile’s walk from our hotel. Our staff will escort you to the start. A designated spectator viewing point will also be available for friends and family to cheer you on.
Once you’ve crossed the finish line, the celebration continues! Join us in the evening for our exclusive after party at the Divani Palace Hotel with food and drinks.
DAY 4 – DEPARTURE DAY
The day after the marathon is departure day. Depending on your travel arrangements you can further explore the beautiful city of Athens or make your own way to Athens Airport.
You also have the option to extend your stay in Athens to explore for longer (subject to availability.)
Accommodation
Multiple stay and duration options.
For special requests or questions, contact our team: 0161 703 8161 or sales@sportstoursinternational.co.uk
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Things to do in ATHENS
The Acropolis & Parthenon
No trip to Athens is complete without exploring the Acropolis. This ancient citadel, perched above the city, is home to the iconic Parthenon temple, a symbol of classical Greece and a must-see for history lovers.
Explore the Acropolis museum
Just steps from the archaeological site, this world-class museum houses fascinating artifacts from the Acropolis, including statues, friezes, and everyday items from ancient Athens. Its sleek modern design contrasts beautifully with its ancient contents.
Stroll through Plaka
Wander the charming streets of Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens. Lined with neoclassical houses, quaint cafes, and artisan shops, it’s perfect for soaking up local culture, dining al fresco, and discovering hidden gems.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY
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Toby
Newbury
As ever all the Sports Tours team were helpful, fun, approachable, patient, tolerant as they always are. Great team, lots of knowledge and experience.
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DE
Darren Ewer
34, Manchester
The trip exceeded my expectations. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Sports Tours.
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D
David
London, UK
Great team: friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
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J
Jane
Wells, UK
Excellent from booking to the flight home!
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Mary
Bath, UK
This team was very personable and demonstrated a caring attitude for the runners. As a sole traveler I felt very welcomed, especially by Ian. He has a gift for the position in making runners feel included in all aspects of the trip.
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Keith
Wymondham, UK
I would gladly say the team we had went above and beyond what anyone would have expected they were with out a doubt exceptional
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Toby
Newbury, UK
Bent over backwards to make trip smooth and enjoyable. Super friendly and informative. Went extra mile (literally) in doing recce incredibly early on Sunday morning before emergency bib collection. We all knew what to expect at every step of the experience and as a result zero dramas (that I am aware of). An ace team of reps who all deserve special praise.
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James
Fort Wayne, UK
Wonderfully kind, helpful, encouraging, took the time to talk with everyone, and were great in their roles.
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Tracey
Crewkerne, UK
Lovely friendly group of reps
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Susie
Romford, UK
Not sure you can top the customer care and experience as it was amazing – as are all your events we have done! So much interaction from the team especially Sam who was amazing. Cannot wait for the next one.
FAQs
What date is the Athens Marathon 2026?
The Athens Marathon 2026 will take place on the 8th November.
How can I register for the Athens Marathon 2026?
People wishing to take part in the Athens Marathon 2026 can registering on the official Athens Authentic Marathon event website. However, this event is in high demand and sells out fast.
The easiest way to secure your entry into the Athens Marathon is by booking with Sports Tours International, where you can also get accommodation, on-site support and more. We are offering options for the marathon, 10k and 5k race.
What travel and accommodation options are available?
Sports Tours International are offering rooms at the 4* Divani Palace Acropolis, with options for twin, twin to share, double and single to suit your travel needs.
Who are the official organisations involved in the Athens Marathon?
The Athens Authentic Marathon is organised by SEGAS (Hellenic Athletics Federation). Other supporting organisations include the Region of Attica, The City of Athens and the Municipality of Marathon.
What is the expected weather during the Athens Marathon?
November in Athens is usually mild to cool with temperature ranging from around 18 – 19 degrees during the day and 10 degrees at night. November is also the wetter month of the year for Athens, with expected rain fall for parts of the day, but still 4-5 hours of sunshine.
We would recommend packing layers and raincoats to protect yourself from the colder days and nights and potential rain.
Where is the Athens Marathon start line?
The Athens Marathon starts at the iconic battlefield in the town Marathon, near the Marathon Tomb (Tymbos).
Where is the Athens Marathon finish line?
Athens Marathon will finish inside the historic Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro located in central Athens.
How much is an entry fee for the Athens Marathon 2026?
Entry fees vary depending on how you register. When booking through Sports Tours International, your race entry is included as part of the overall package price, along with accommodation at the Divani Palace Hotel, welcome drinks, a 5k shakeout run, post-race celebration drinks, and full support from the Sports Tours International team throughout your trip.
Booking as a package removes the uncertainty of securing standalone race entries or managing arrangements yourself, allowing you to focus fully on your race experience.
What is the history of the Athens Marathon?
The Athens Marathon, officially known as the Athens Authentic Marathon, started in 1896 and follows the historic 490 BC course of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens.
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