The Greek America Foundation will send 10 runners to Greece in 2026 to take part in the Athens Marathon, covering major expenses for each selected member of Team Greek America, including round-trip airfare from North America, four nights of housing in central Athens, and two group meals during race weekend.
This is more than a call for runners. It is a sponsored opportunity to represent Greek America in the place where the marathon was born, while raising funds for the Foundation’s charitable work and joining a team experience rooted in history, service, and Hellenic pride.
Applications are now open for Team Greek America, our international team of runners who will train from wherever they live and come together in Athens on the weekend of November 6-7, 2026 to run the original marathon route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium.
A Foundation-Sponsored Journey to Greece
For the 2026 Athens Marathon, the Greek America Foundation is making a major commitment: we will support 10 runners by covering the core costs of their journey to Greece. Selected participants will not be left to figure out flights and housing on their own. The Foundation will provide the travel support, team structure, and fundraising platform needed to make the experience possible.
Each runner will train independently throughout the year with virtual support from Team Greek America, then gather in Athens for a once-in-a-lifetime race weekend with fellow team members from across North America.
The Athens Marathon is unlike any other race in the world. The 42,195 meter course traces the legendary route connected to the ancient Battle of Marathon and finishes inside the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It is a test of endurance, but also a powerful journey through Greek history.
How Team Greek America Works
It doesn’t matter where you are based. Each participant can train on their own with support from Team Captain Manos Zervakis, who completed the Athens Marathon in 2023. Team members will receive regular email communication, training tips, and invitations to monthly Zoom meetings to discuss progress, fundraising, logistics, and race preparation.
What the Foundation Will Cover
- Round-trip coach airfare from any major North American airport to Athens, Greece for race weekend. Date extensions may be possible for runners who wish to arrive earlier or stay longer.
- Four nights of housing in shared apartments in central Athens, with each runner having his or her own bedroom.
- Two group meals during race weekend.
- Support from Team Greek America’s captain throughout the training process.
- A personal fundraising page to share with family and friends and help generate support for the Foundation’s charitable efforts.
Runner Commitments
- Train independently, with virtual support available from Team Greek America’s captain.
- Participate in team-building Zoom meetings scheduled throughout the year and leading up to the Athens 2026 Marathon.
- Raise or donate at least $4,000 to benefit the Foundation’s charitable efforts. We will provide a GoFundMe template for runners who wish to create a personal fundraising page.
- Complete registration and confirmation with the official Athens 2026 Marathon.
- Cover personal incidental expenses outside the Foundation-sponsored travel, housing, and team meals listed above.
Interested in applying for one of the 10 Team Greek America spots? Use the link below to apply.