Athens Classic Marathon & 2,500 year Anniversary

A record 12,500 runners are set to take part in the Athens Classic Marathon on October 31, which will mark 2,500 years since the Battle of Marathon, organisers of the annual race said on Tuesday.

Promotion and prize money for the 1.5 million Euro event has, however, been limited by Greece's serious financial crisis. Only about 20 elite runners are expected to compete in the race, whose hilly course virtually rules out the possibility of a world record.

The Greek race traces the run of the messenger Pheidippides in 490 BC from the plain of Marathon to Athens, where legend says he collapsed and died after announcing the victory of the Greeks over Persian invaders.

A series of events arranged by organisers and private sponsors will be held in late October to highlight this year's race, including an outdoor concert and a conference by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Source & continue article : Athens News

Athens Marathon Website: www.athensclassicmarathon.gr