The 33rd Athens Marathon – The Authentic Breaks All Records – Photo Report

The 33rd Athens Marathon – Τhe Authentic broke all records on Sunday, November 8, attracting some 43,000 athletes who tested their mettle and improved their personal times running the classic race on a warm, sunny day.

Marathon Mayor Ilias Psinakis and Attica Prefect Rena Dourou fired the starting pistol at the ancient site in Marathon, eastern Attica, early on Sunday morning, marking the beginning of the 42km race, the classic course from the town of Marathon to the 1896 Panathenian Stadium in the heart of Athens — the same route used in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

This year, an additional 1,500 participants led the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) to organize a second 5km race on the evening of November 8. Of the 43,000 participants, 6,500 were from 100 countries.

Christoforos Merousis does it again!

Christoforos Merousis: Winner of 33rd “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic”.

For a third year in a row, Christoforos Merousis crossed the finish line at the Panathenian Stadium first, clocking the race at 2.21.22 and female runner, 42-year-old Minori Hayakari from Japan with a time of 2.52.06. Athletes Dimitris Thedorakos came second with 2.27.03 and Dimos Evangellidis third with 2.27.28. In the women’s category, Ourania Rembouli came second with a time of 2.54.32 and Magda Gazea third with 2.55.35.

In view of financial challenges, SEGAS decided this year to forego inviting an elite field in order to concentrate on the participating runners. A part of the savings will be used to further improve services.

Besides the classic course, the event included 5km and 10km races, an additional 5km evening course and a kiddies contest.

Male athlete Kostas Gelaouzos won the 10km race with a time of 32.03 and female runner Anastasia Karakatsani with 34.59. Christos Kallias won the 5km race at 15.09 and Anastasia Marinakou at 17.23.

Visitors in Athens ran the Authentic Marathon!

In the meantime, due to the large number of participants, Greek tourism sector professionals are expressing interest in promoting Athens as a leading sports tourism destination.

According to a trivago.gr report released this week, topping the country list of visitors for the Athens Marathon were runners from Italy, Poland (who replaced the Brits), Germany, Belgium, Serbia (for the first time this year in the Top 10), the UK, Finland, France, US and Romania.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) was a main media sponsor for the Athens Marathon – Τhe Authentic.

Photo report: 33rd “Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic” – Moments