Athens Marathon will Welcome 63,000 Runners in 2019 – Online Registration Opens

Photo Source: @Athens Marathon. The Authentic

Registrations open for two-day ‘Athens Marathon – The Authentic’ 2019 event

Organizers of the Athens Marathon – The Authentic on Thursday said that the international sporting event has entered a “new era” following the decision to extend it by a day as of this year in order to meet the soaring demand.

Over 63,000 runners – up from 55,000 in 2018 – are expected to participate in the 37th Athens Marathon, scheduled to ‘run’ on November 9 and 10. Organizers expect registration for the Marathon to reach 20,000 from 18,000 in 2018, and 12,000 for the 10km route.

According to the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), which organizes the Athens Marathon every year, the additional day will give some 20,000 athletes the chance to participate in the 5km and 10km races on November 9.

Speaking at a special event at the Kallimarmaron Panathinaic Stadium in the Greek capital for the official launch of Athens Marathon registration, SEGAS President Kostas Panagopoulos said the decision to extend the Marathon events came in view of the fact that relevant infrastructure was still lagging.

“The 10km race will take place on Saturday, and the other running events in the program on Sunday, including a single 5km run. We’ve reached this decision after many years of consideration and because we’ve exceeded our accommodation potential,” said Panagopoulos, adding that demand was so high in 2018, that registration ended 40 days before the start of the event.

Long-term goal: 80,000 runners

Photo Source: athensauthenticmarathon.gr

Panagopoulos noted that SEGAS’ long-term goal is to see participation figures reach 80,000 runners, which can be achieved if infrastructure improves at the starting area (Marathon) and along the route to the finish line (in Athens center).

“The change aims to increase participation limits for the 5km and 10km races, but also starting this year to be able to welcome an additional 2,000 runners for the classic Marathon,” he said.

Co-organizers of the event include the Region of Attica and the municipalities of Athens and Marathon.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a communication sponsor for Athens Marathon – Τhe Authentic.