Athens and The Marathon
Day 1
Six days before Marathon
Rest Day
Brunch
Museum Visit
Cooking Class
Day 3
Five days before Marathon
Short Run Day
Morning Run
Breakfast
Ceramics Class at 11:00
Picnic lunch with view of the Acropolis
Custom Sandal Experience
Dinner on Makrigianni Street
Day 4
Four days before Marathon
Medium-long run day
Breakfast
Shopping and Exploring the City Center
Afternoon runAthens boasts a running and cycling path that is on its way to connecting the far north and of the city to the picturesque coastline in the south. I personally recommend the portion that begins a Thiseio metro station, heading east on Eptachalkou st. The street will curve south and join a red path marching for runners and cyclists at the intersection of Thessalonikis St. and Persefonis St. From there you can easily follow the path to the coast!
Once you arrive at Poseidon Ave. you can catch the tram at Kallithea tram station and return to the center, or continue you run westward toward the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center.
Dinner
Day 5
Three Days before Marathon
Short Run Day
Note* Starting from the Thursday before the Marathon, I recommend making reservations at any sit down restaurant you plan to dine at.
Options for places to go for the day's run:
Lunch
Museum Visit(The Benaki is free to visit after 6:00 pm every Thursday)
Dinner
Day 6
Two days before Marathon
Walking day
Morning Tour
Lunch and visit to my favorite bookstore
Marathon Expo
The Marathon expo will be open for several days, and when you visit is flexible. You will receive an official schedule from the Marathon Organization via email in the week leading up to the race.
That email will also include option for traveling to the expo venue. It is my personal recommendation to drive or get an uber, but bus and tram options are available, if you are willing to spend the time.
Sunset
Depending on how much leg work you are wanting for this day, the summit of Lycabettus is reachable by both walking paths and a funicular.
The walking options range from a direct assent on a paved pathway with switchbacks and staircases interspersed, a variety of nature trails that explore the surrounding hill The Funicular provides a quick ride to the top, costing 7 euro one way or 10 round trip.
There is a cafe at the top where you can enjoy a drink and take in the view from the highest point in Athens!
Dinner
Day 7
1 Day before Marathon
Rest day
Morning Museum Visit
Lunch in City Center
Walking tour of Plaka and the Ancient Agora
Pre Race Carbo Load
Day 8
Marathon Day
The Authentic Marathon is a huge operation, and when you arrive in Athens, you might a feel a bit unsure of where to go or what to do the morning of race day. I highly recommend spending some time with a member of the information team at the Marathon Expo to get all your questions answered and your nerves calmed!The information team is highly knowledgeable and can provide you with information sheets, walk you through the large wall maps at the venue, and ensure that when Sunday morning you know exactly where to go and what to expect!
It is also my personal recommendation to wear a warm outer layer that you will not be sad to part with for the ride to Marathon Village and during your warm up period. You will want to have something on in the crisp morning air, and donation bins will be available to leave your extra layers before you start running.
Starting Line
Finish Line
Day 9
The day after the Marathon
Sleep in
Brunch
Drive to Vouliagmeni (30m)
On the Monday after the Marathon, Lake Vouliagmeni is a popular spot for runners looking for a picturesque place to kick back and let their legs recover! At Vouliagmeni, you can order a drink and lounge in a sunbed or book an appointment at the on-sight spa. The lake itself offers calm cool waters that will sooth your muscles and allow for a bit of low impact movement. If you're up for it, you can even receive a "pedicure" from the multitude of Garra fish living in the lake!
Note* If you are interested in booking a spa service, you should do so as far in advance as possible, as the spa will be booked up very quickly by runners the day after the marathon. Additionally, the only means of placing a reservation is through email, which can take a couple of days.
Dinner
Day 10
Tuesday, November 12
"Last Chance" Day!
If there's anything you didn't get to see, buy, or eat, today is the day!
Here's a short list of my top recommendations for autumn activities in Athens when time allows:
If you've have an extra day in your itinerary, or you were really hoping to visit an Island, consider a day trio to Aegina!
The home for unique & authentic travel
