Athens: 8 November
To run the race where it all began is a thrill in itself but to do so in the magnificent city that is Athens just adds to the allure.
Needless to say, the marathon in its current format has altered slightly since the birth of the race 2500 years ago.
Firstly, back then it was two miles shorter (this was changed at the 1908 Olympics in London to enable the race to finish in front of the Royal Family’s viewing box).
In addition, back in 490BC it was more of a solo run than a race as a soldier named Pheidippides ran alone from a battlefield in the town of Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of victory.
Nowadays, the event finishes in the Olympic Stadium which stands on the same site as the original stadium used back in classical times.
If all this was not enough, the world’s principal marathon follows the same route that was used in the 2004 Olympics.
Nevertheless, Athens offers so much more than just a marathon. With the ancient monuments and history on offer, including the phenomena that is the Acropolis, this will undoubtedly prove to be the experience of a lifetime.
How to get there
Getting to the centre of Greece’s capital could not be easier. Go to shuttledirect.com to book your journey now for the most efficient way of arriving at your destination.
Other Marathons in Europe
| CITY | DATE |
| Seville | 22 February |
| Barcelona | 15 March |
| Rome | 22 March |
| Paris | 12 April |
| London | 26 April |
| Berlin | 27 September |
