A new record was registered in the 32nd Classical Marathon Race that took place on Sunday November 9, with Kenyan Felix Kandie running the 42,195m authentic course from Marathonas to Athens in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 36 seconds, and winning the gold medal.
Christoforos Merousis from the island of Chios, was the first among the Greek participants to win the national championship, for a second year in a row, while Naomi Maiyo was the first among women reaching the finishing line at the Panathenaic Stadium after 2 hours, 41 minutes and 5 seconds.
A once in a lifetime experience for runners from all over the world, this year’s “Authentic” Athens Classic Marathon with its infamous finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium was a race of never before, as participating runners had reached a record high number.
Impressively high was also the participation of “volunteers” runners. With the older being 86 years old and the younger 12, the “mighty” volunteers team, men and women not only from Greece but from various countries around Europe, Asia and America, run their own race, offering their vital services and assistance when needed.
Bands and musicians had offered their volunteer support. Being present somewhere along the Marathon course they created an unexpected festive mood for participants and spectators.
The “Athens Marathon. The Authentic” also included the 5 km Marathon race, which began a little after 8 a.m., starting from Amalias Avenue and passing through many main streets of Athens. Nearly 9 thousand participants joined this race, among which many Greek celebrities. Seven “Kids Runs” was also part of this year’s race. Children from seven different municipalities of Attica (Marathon, Rafina, Pallini, Spata, Artemida, Agia Paraskevi, Chalandri, Filothei-Psychiko, Spata and Chalandri) run along the course that passed through the respective municipalities, “greeting” the runners. All children received an acknowledgement medal.
