“Authentic” Marathon Expo In Athens Opens, Runners Gear Up For Sunday’s Big Event

Photos © GTP

Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the ERGO “Authentic” Marathon Expo 2014. Photo source: SEGAS

With the inauguration of the ERGO “Authentic” Marathon Expo 2014 on Thursday, events and activities for the 32nd Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” have kicked off.

The expo is taking place at the TaeKwonDo Indoor Hall & Exhibition Center at Palio Faliro until Saturday 8 November and will lead to the actual “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” event on Sunday, 9 November.

The Hellenic Association of Amateur Athletics (SEGAS) is the organizer of the event of Athens Marathon, the Authentic.

At a press conference held after the expo’s inauguration, the president of SEGAS, Kostas Panagopoulos, applauded the Greek State’s first-time involvement in the event.

Marathonas Mayor Ilias Psinakis, AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) President Paco Borao and SEGAS President Kostas Panagopoulos.

“This year, the state is participating, for the first time, in the organizational effort by decision of the Deputy Culture Minister, in charge of sports, Yiannis Andrianos. For us, what matters most is not so much the economic level of participation, but the fact that the state finally recognizes the importance of the Marathon,” he said.

Mr. Panagopoulos added that the state and local government must assist on what changes must be made (investment in infrastructure among other things) in order for the Athens Marathon to meet the growing demand for participation.

According to SEGAS, between the 5K and 10K road races, power walking event, kids race, Special Olympics race and Marathon Race, some 35,000 runners will be in the streets of Athens.

In fact, the number of runners from abroad are up 35 percent compared to last year. “I think we are on the right track,” Mr. Panagopoulos underlined.

ERGO “Authentic” Marathon Expo 2014

An increased number of top companies from the areas of sports, fitness, health, nutrition and tourism are attending the ERGO “Authentic” Marathon Expo 2014. Visitors will see products and services for runners, exclusive offers of sport brands, special packages and offers related to travel, technology products and fitness equipment.

Brochures and information about marathon and road races in Greece and all over the world will also be available and free medical tests on endurance will be given by specialized sport doctors.

Entrance to the expo is free of charge.

It is also noted that the Registration & Distribution Center for the runners of the “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” will be also hosted in the TaeKwonDo Exhibition Center throughout the expo.