Choose your next greek running race
The running events have resumed in full force around Greece and due to COVID-19 serious challenges were caused to both hosts and athletes. An exceptional way to discover a new destination is through sports and this is our way to assist you with your plans. We have compiled a list of the top 23 running events that are going to be held in Greece for the year 2023 and here are timetabled our choices.
SPRING
46th Athens Health Run
Date: 05.03.2022
Distance: 21.1 km
Location: Athens, Greece
Website: athenshealthrun.gr/
The most historic road race in Greece as it has been conducted since 1978. This year, the 45th Athens Health Run, Half Marathon, will be held in March in the eastern suburbs of Athens at Schinias, close to Marathon. Athens Health Run is of global scope since most of the participating runners come from abroad exclusively for this event. The distance of the race will be 21,1km, giving the opportunity to all participants to enjoy the most beautiful route of Athens as well as to break their personal record and reach the first place in pedestal of their category.
Taygetos Challenge
Date: 25 – 26.03.2023
Distances: 37km – 20km – 10km – 5km – Vertical
Location: Kardamyli, Greece
Website: taygetoschallenge.com/
For all those who want to experience a unique adventure in the breathtaking mountain of Taygetos, this is your chance!
This race could be characterized as an institution since is the one that opens the mountain running season. The aim of the event is to promote sports culture and mountain running worldwide. It is located in the Peloponnese in the area of Western Mani and specifically in the beautiful landscape of Kardamyli.
Taygetos Challenge the most stunning running event, featuring a 37km Taygetos Marathon; 20km Taygetos Experience; 10km Taygetos Basic; 5km Taygetos Fun; and 650m Vertical Speed.
Nafplio Marathon
Date: 5 March 2023
Distances: 21.1km – 5km- 2.5km
Location: Nafplio, Greece
Website: nafpliomarathon.gr/
Its motto “participation is victory and the end is triumph”.
Probably one of the most charming cities of the Peloponnese and one of the favorite destinations for weekends at all seasons. After an extremely successful journey that started in 2014 and two years of absence due to the special conditions that we all experienced, Nafplio Marathon is back in March of 2023 to give you unforgettable memories!
Within its framework includes races of 42km Marathon; 21.1km Half Marathon; 5km race; and 2.5km race which aims at social contribution. The Nafplio Marathon has been included in the racing calendar of the AIMS.
Olympia Marathon
Date: 25 – 26.03.2023
Distances: 42.2 km – 21.1km – 12km – 2km
Location: Ancient Olympia, Greece
Website: olympiamarathon.gr/
Two of the most important pylons in Greek culture constitute of Olympism and Marathon since their meaning as well as symbolism are deeply engraved in the history of Greece.
The 8th Olympia Marathon aspires to be a significant event not only in sports but also in culture. A vehicle for transmitting Olympism and the Marathon’s principles around the world. The event is dedicated to the memory of the first Marathon Runner in history, Charilaos Vasilakos.
It will be held in Ancient Olympia the birthplace of Olympic Games. Its course includes 42.2km Marathon; 21.1km Half Marathon; 12km Race; and 2km races which will be heading from Ilida to Pyrgos and finally in Olympia.
Athens Half Marathon
Date: 29.03.2023
Distances: 21.1km – 5km – 3km
Location: Athens, Greece
Website: athinahalfmarathon.gr/index.php/el/
IT IS OFFICIAL! Mark your calendar for the big day, as it is here again!
A special road race experience that everyone should experience in their running journey. The organization of the Athens 2023 Half Marathon will include the 21.1km Half Marathon; 5km road race; 3km road race. As it happens every year, the athletes of the Panhellenic Championship will be in the first row at the starting line. On the course that will be followed, runners would have the opportunity touring in a prototypical way in the center of Athens by crossing many historic streets of the city.
Marathon Messini 2023
Date: 02.04.2023
Distances: 42.2km – 10km – 5km
Location: Messini, Peloponissos, Greece
Website: marathon.messini.gr
Messini a small but historic town near Kalamata at the South of Greece will organise for 16 consecutive years itw own Marathon! Marathon Messini will take place at the 2nd of April and it will be a great opportunity to meet the area that carries lots of history!
Rhodes Marathon
Date: 30.04.2023
Distances: 42.2km – 10km – 5km
Location: Rhodes, Greece
Website: rhodesmarathon.gr/el/
The Rhodes Marathon “Roads to Rhodes” comes renewed. The beautiful Greek “island of the knights” is waiting for you to participate in a memorable experience.
The race will be organized for the 8th consecutive year in the capital of the Dodecanese by the South Aegean Region, EAS SEGAS Dodecanese and the non-profit organization of “Rhodes Marathon” with the support of the Municipality of Rhodes and D.O.P.A.R. At the same day, the schedule features 10 km and 5 km road races as well. The island with the valley of butterflies and the magnificent Seven Springs are ideal for water sports too.
International Marathon “ALEXANDER THE GREAT”
Date: 30.04.2023
Distance: 42.2km – 10km – 5km
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Website: atgm.gr
The Organizing Committee of the 17th International Thessaloniki Marathon “Alexander the Great” is considered one of the greatest sport “celebrations” of the northern part of Greece. It aims to promote the values and ideals of sports to its participants from every corner of the word. A magnetic and at the same time historical course that starts from the area of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander, and reaches the modern capital of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, which creates unprecedented emotions to all the participants. Worldwide travelers will have the opportunity to visit and try local delicacies and traditional products.
Crete Marathon
Date: 07.05.2023
Distance: 42.2km – 10km -5km – 2.5km
Location: Crete, Greece
Website: crete-marathon.gr/
We are counting down for the most exciting running event of the year!
The island routes in a scenery of outstanding beauty, are some of the reasons to approach visitor from all the latitudes and longitudes of the world. The 7th Marathon of Crete is a cultural but mostly running event since 2016, which held in the Regional Unit of Chania with a 42.2km Marathon; 10km Road race; 5km Road race; and 2.5km Road race. The town of Chania is the most paramount in the Western part of Crete as it is rich in spectacular architectural examples of previous centuries.
Tinos Running Experience
Date: 27.05.2023
Distances: 21.1km – 10km – 5km
Location: Tinos, Greece
Website: facebook.com/tinos.running.experience/
Run to the “unknown” beauty of Cyclades.
An unforgettable race on the Aegean Island of Tinos is happening for seventh year. During the 8th Tinos Running Experience, all the participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful route and discover the third bigger island of Cyclades, with a wonderful view passing through the picturesque pigeon homes and wandering the deep blue beaches. Pigeon homes can be found on several Cycladic islands; however, Tinos contains the finest and most magnificent. The program of the 7th Tinos Running Experience includes 21,1km Half Marathon; 10km Run; 5km Fun Run; 900m Kids Run; but also, 100m Special Run.
SUMMER
Alonissos Challenge 2023
Date: 04.06.2023
Distance: 20km- 10km -2km
Location: Alonissos, Greece
Website: alonissoschallenge.gr
Alonissos is the most remote of the Northern Sporades island group and home to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades. Still, every year the Alonissos Challege is being held at the beginning of the summer and it is an ideal opportunity to run surrounded by pine forests, olive groves and orchards. The island is the most remote of the Northern Sporades island group, and home to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins and the Mediterranean monk seal, monachus monachus.
SNF Nostos Run
Date: 22.06.2022
Distance: 10km
Location: Athens, Greece
Website: snfnostos.org/
Experience magical running moments in the center of Athens for a charitable purpose!
Since 2015, the SNF Nostos Health is organized by SNF and includes a range of cultural and sporting events. This year the theme of the event will be “Health Initiative”. The Panathenaic Stadium traditionally is the start of the 10km and 6km road races, while the finish takes place at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). The SNF Nostos Run 2023 is not competitive in nature, however official timing is kept so that all runners can track their performance.
Olympus Marathon
Date: 24-25.06.2022
Distance: 44km
Location: Litochoro, Greece
Website: olympus-marathon.com/
The Olympus Marathon takes place on Olympus, the mythical “mountain of the Gods”. The course of the 19th Olympus Marathon follows the sacred path of the believers of antiquity who followed in order to honor their supreme God, Zeus. The event transforms this course into a supreme sporting event, with runners following in the footsteps of history. The Marathon race starts from the Archaeological site of Dion and ends up in the city of Litochoro, one of the most traditional towns in northern Greece. In parallel, the races of 60km Olympus Ultra; 4,3km Olympus Vertical;14km The Eagles Edge; and 5km Melindra Trail will be held.
Zagori Mountain Running
Date: 21-22-23.7.2023
Distance: 80km – 44km – 21.1km – 10km
Location: Tsepelovo, Greece
Website: zagorirace.gr/
Mountain running could be associated with a particular form of freedom. In our case, the 12th Zagori Mountain Running takes place in Tymfi, known as “Papigo Mountains”, and Zagori, a region in the Pindos Mountain range. This part of Northern Greece is famous for its wild beauty and its picturesque villages that enchant its visitors every year. The specific mountain running race is featuring 80km TeRA; 44km Marathon; 21.1km Half Marathon; and 10km Entry. The formation of these scenic routes was created in order to give the maximum experience to every participant.
AUTUMN
Ironman 70.3 Vouliagmeni
Date: 9 September 2023
Distance: Half Ironman
Location: Costa Navarino and Pylos, Messinia or Athens, Greece
Website: ironman.com/
The most demanding triathlon event is here to captivate us once again!
The major sporting event that launched back in 2006 and has a presence in more than 55 countries with more than 200 events, continues to fascinate its sports audience for the 16th consecutive year will take part once again in Greece. The schedule consists of 1,9km swimming, 90.1km cycling and 21.1km running.
The exact location that will host the event this year is the area of Vouliagmeni. After a very successful passage through the region of Peloponnese, worldwide athletes and amateurs will have the opportunity to meet and visit southern suburb of Athens by the sea with breathtaking beaches and exquisite restaurants.
Spartathlon
Date: 30.09.2023 – 01.10.2023
Distance: 246km
Location: Athens-Sparta, Greece
Website: spartathlon.gr/el/
Spartathlon is one of the most difficult ultra-distance foot races in the world, in which athletes from all over the world choose to take part in order to find out their limits and possibly to break their personal record. It is considered the most challenging running race in the word since is about a route of 245km starting from Athens, under the shadow of the Acropolis, with final destination the statue of Leonidas in Sparta and held at the end of September. The official organizer of the event is International Association “SPARTATHLON” which was founded in 1984. The Sparthathlon Ultra-Marathon has great interest especially due to its historical background.
Ioannina Lake Run
Date: 23-24.09.2023
Distances: 30km – 10km – 5km
Location: Ioannina, Greece
Website: ioanninalakerun.gr/
Ioannina Lake Run is a special race, known to everyone who has already run its route. A race that has been taking place for 16 years, continues its course dynamically realizing the 17th Ioannina Lake Run. The city of Ioannina is the capital of Epirus developed around the magnificent Lake Pamvotida. Due to the cultural history of the city, many artistic and intellectual events are organized every year. The schedule of the event consists of 30km Power Walking; 10km Road Race; and 5km Road Race, besides the main race of 30km Lake Run. It could be described as once in a lifetime experience.
Kallithea Half Marathon
Date: October TBA
Distances: 21.1km – 10km -5km
Location: Athens, Greece
Website: kallitheahalf.gr/index.php/el/
A race that follows in the footsteps of Theseus!
In the wider area of southern suburb of Athens, in Kallithea, another very important running event is organized to be held in Autumn, around October, and will give the opportunity to participate to run on a different route around the Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos Foundation with the start and finish of Nero square. It consists of three separate routes: Half Marathon, 10km and 5km road race as well. Kallithea Half Marathon 2023 has as its ultimate purpose to fundraise the participation fees in order to support large charities as well as Non-Profit Organizations.
Spetses Mini Marathon
Date: 29.09.2023 – 01.10.2023
Distance: 25km – 10km – 5km
Location: Spetses, Greece
Website: spetsesmarathon.com/
Spetses Mini Marathon is an international multi-sport event, located in an island close to the capital of Greece. The 12th Spetses Mini Marathon is happening and waiting all athletes and amateurs to join this journey. The program includes three swimming routes of 1,5k, 3k and 5k, as well as three running routes of 25km, 10km and 5km. The southwestern traditional island of the Saronic Gulf will be the reason to discover unique places, beaches as well as the historical Mansion of Laskarina Bouboulina, a museum that has been operating since 1992 and attracts many visitors who are interested in getting to know the strong history of the island and Greece in depth.
International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon
Date: 21.10.2023
Distance: 21.1km – 10km – 5km
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Website: thesshalfmarathon.org/
Spectacular! Spectacular!
An impressive running experience in the city that never sleeps. The event is located in the co-capital of Greece, Thessaloniki and is ready every October to celebrate with all participants the biggest night running event of Northern Greece. The 11th International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon consists of three consecutive races; Half Marathon; 10km Road Race; and 5km Road Race. A city full of life and prospects is ready to welcome whoever loves to run and want to participate in road races, at a short distance from Athens just one hour by airplane and one hour from Mount Olympus by car.
Athens Authentic Marathon
Date: 11-12.11.2023
Distances: 42.2km – 10km – 5km
Location: Marathon, Greece
Website: athensauthenticmarathon.gr/
Where it all began…
The Athens Authentic Marathon 2023 brings new vitality into history!
Everyone have the opportunity to run this legendary and absolutely remarkable Marathon route which runs from Marathon to Athens and finishes in the renowned stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. An amazing chance to explore the history and culture of the emblematic Greece though the original Marathon route, 10km road race as well as 5km road race. The event is organized by SEGAS and Hellenic Republic Region of Attica and is the international annual Marathon of the Greek capital and the finest running event in the country.
Navarino Challenge
Date: November TBA
Distance: 10km
Location: Costa Navarino and Pylos, Messinia
Website: navarinochallenge.com/
The Navarino Challenge is considered as one of the most important institutions of sports tourism in Greece as well as the landmark of Messinia. A series of sporting events take place in Costa Navarino and Pylos with the purpose of promoting the sports ideals and the Olympic spirit to all participant. There are three different races that takes place the 21,1km Greek Half Marathon; 10km Trail Running Route; and 5,4km Route. It is located in the southwestern Peloponnese, in the most bewitching coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean that attracts thousands of visitors all year round for its pure beauty.
41th Athens Health Run
Date: November TBA
Distance: 10km
Location: Athens, Greece
Website: athenshealthrun.gr/
One of the major running events of the city takes place at Agios Kosmas National Sports Center in November shortly after the Authentic Athens Marathon. Widely known since it’s one of the most historical road races in Greece, and this year is going to be held for the 41th year in a row in the southern suburbs of Athens. An event where hundreds of runners choose every year to run safely on the well-known and beloved coastal route which is consistently at the top 10 events of 10km distance.
