Alexander The Great Marathon | Conquer the Course | Run and Celebrate Greek History and Culture

Authors

George, The Shiny Greece Team (feat. ai)

The Alexander the Great Marathon is a historic and cultural marathon that takes place in Greece every year. The race is named after the famous ancient Greek king, Alexander the Great, who conquered a vast empire and left a lasting legacy in the world of history and culture. This marathon is not just a sporting event, but also a celebration of Greek history, culture, and the human spirit of endurance and determination. In this article, we explore the history, culture, and significance of the Alexander the Great Marathon.

Meeting of Balkan dance bands that dance along with finishes of marathon runners in the square of the White in Thessaloniki  |  Photo by: iStock.com | portokalis

History of the Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon was first held in 2006, as a way to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, which took place in 490 BC. The Battle of Marathon was a pivotal moment in Greek history, where a small Greek army defeated a much larger Persian army, and helped to establish the democratic ideals that Greece is famous for. The marathon distance of 42,195 kilometers was chosen because it is the same distance that the Greek soldier Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of the victory. The event in 2006 was organized as an AIMS certified race, while in 2010 and 2011, the race was awarded with the IAAF Bronze Label Road Race title.

White Tower of Thessaloniki at Marathon's Finish | Photo by: Alexander Klink, White Tower Thessaloniki 2009, CC BY 3.0

Culture of the Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon is not just a sporting event, but also a celebration of Greek culture and history. The marathon starts in the town of Pella, which was the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and finishes in Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Along the route, runners pass through ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and through the beautiful Greek countryside. There are also parallel fun runs of 5 and 10 kilometers for non-athletes and children. The marathon also features traditional Greek music, Greek food, and Greek dances, and a fireworks display at the finish line.

Alexander the Great | Photo by: anonymous, ACMA 1331 Alexander 1, cropped by Shiny Greece, CC BY-SA 2.5

Significance of the Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon is also a symbol of the human spirit of endurance and determination. The marathon distance is a challenge for even the most experienced runners, and the hilly terrain and warm weather of Greece make it even more challenging. However, the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing the marathon, and the support of the other runners and spectators, make it a truly inspiring experience.

Visit the Marathon's Website