Some 45,000 elite athletes and running enthusiasts will be descending on the Greek capital this weekend for the 39th edition of the Athens Marathon, as well as shorter races, taking place on Sunday.
Traffic restrictions across the city will begin on Saturday, when the Marathon Flame will be lit at the Marathon Tomb, the starting point of the annual race, and brought along the 42,195-kilometer route to the finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium.
The disruption is expected to last from around noon until around 3.30 p.m. On Sunday, meanwhile, the entire route will be closed to traffic starting in the early hours of the day, along with many streets in central Athens.
The Greek police announced the schedule of street shutdowns in the Marathon area and central Athens, as well as on affected side streets, ahead of the annual Authentic Marathon race and other smaller races over the weekend.
On Saturday, Nov. 12, during 17.00-19.20, two consecutive 10km races will start at Amalias Ave. at Syntagma Square to the Panathenaic Stadium. Some of the streets it will pass through include Panepistimiou, Messoghion, Fidippidou and Irodou Attikou.
On Sunday, Nov. 13, during 09.00-17.30, the 39th Authentic Marathon path will follow Marathonos Avenue to the Panathenaic Stadium through Messoghion Ave, Michalakopoulou, Vass. Sofias and Irodou Attikou, among others.
Also on Sunday, the following two races will take place at the following hours, the first starting at Amalias Ave. in Syntagma and the second starting at Vass. Sofias Ave. in Syntagma, both concluding at the Panathenaic Stadium:
08.30-10.00, a 5km race, through the streets of Panepistimiou, Akadimias, and the NIMITS hospital area.
10.15-10.30, a Children's race of 1200m, through Ir. Attikou.
In addition, short children's races will be held by local municipalities along the Marathon towns.
In general, traffic restrictions will be introduced early on Saturday morning and stay in place, by location, to late afternoon on Sunday. In Athens, in particular, vehicles will not be allowed to park on several streets as late as 20:30.
Please also note that bicycle riders and pedestrians are not allowed on the streets runners will use, and they are also not allowed to cross these streets during the race.
Detailed schedules are provided by the police at the following link (in Greek): http://www.astynomia.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&lang=%27..%27&perform=view&id=114030&Itemid=2916&lang=
See also:
Changes in tram line 6 schedule on Sat and Sun due to Athens Marathon
