Athens, January 12 – The capital is gearing up for the 14th Athens Half Marathon, with registrations officially opening today, January 12, 2026. This major sporting event, a joint effort by the Municipality of Athens and SEGAS, is set to take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, and will accommodate a record-breaking 30,000 participants across its four distinct routes.
Record Participation Anticipated for 2026 Event
The official launch of registrations was held at Athens City Hall, attended by the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and the President of SEGAS, Sofia Sakorafa. The 30,000 available spots represent a significant 20% increase compared to the 2025 event, reflecting the growing popularity and strong momentum of the Athens Half Marathon, which is the premier running event held exclusively within the municipality.
As in previous years, the 14th Athens Half Marathon is dedicated to the memory of the renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, honoring his legacy through this celebration of sport and culture.
Increased Capacity Across All Race Categories
To accommodate the surge in interest, organizers have expanded the number of available spots across all race categories:
- Half Marathon Route (sponsored by ERGO): 12,000 spots, an increase of 3,000 from 2025.
- 5 km OPAP Race: 15,000 spots, up from 12,000 in 2025. This race will feature a new, attractive route designed to highlight more of Athens’ landmarks and enhance the runner’s experience. A significant portion of this route will overlap with the Half Marathon course, facilitating the timely reopening of surrounding roads.
- Family Run (sponsored by Piraeus Bank): 2,500 parents and children will be able to participate together, compared to 2,000 in 2025.
- Special Olympics Hellas and COSMOTE TELEKOM Races: An additional 500 spots will be available for athletes with disabilities.
The Runner Service Center and the ERGO Half Marathon Expo will be hosted at the Palaio Faliro Indoor Gymnasium (Taekwondo), providing a central hub for participants to collect their race kits and engage with event partners.
Statements from Organizers and Sponsors
Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: “The city is putting on its sports gear and preparing to run in the Half Marathon, an institution that attracts thousands of runners every year, not only from Greece but also from abroad. Athens continues to establish itself as a model city for sports, hosting major sporting events. We look forward to March 8 to experience together the joy of participation and to celebrate the sporting spirit, solidarity, and unity of our city.”
SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa underscored the event’s significance: “Today marks the start of the Athens Half Marathon, which is not just another running race, but a vibrant event with enormous momentum and growing interest from both Greece and abroad. In its 14th year, the Half Marathon includes new routes designed to showcase the beautiful corners of central Athens while helping athletes achieve great performances. In this effort, we work closely with Mayor Haris Doukas and his team, sharing the common vision of making March 8 a great and beautiful celebration of sport and culture.”
Markella Tsourougianni, ERGO Corporate Communications and Sustainability Director, highlighted ERGO’s long-standing commitment: “ERGO Insurance has consistently supported SEGAS since 2011 and, as the Major Sponsor of the Athens Half Marathon since 2014, has stood by runners and the broader running community. Through our products, services, and initiatives, we contribute to shaping the life we dream of, and with the message ‘ERGO for everyone,’ we invite all to become part of this unique celebration of sport.”
The 14th Athens Half Marathon promises to be a memorable event, bringing together athletes and citizens in a vibrant celebration of health, community, and the enduring spirit of Athens.
Source: https://tornosnews.gr/en/tornos/events/55168-countdown-to-the-14th-athens-half-marathon-%E2%80%93-on-march-8-with-30000-participants.html
