Be a part of history. Participate in a life-changing experience. Join runners from throughout world who will be a part of something bigger than themselves.
We’re now taking applications to participate in the 2026 Athens Marathon as part of Team Greek America, our international team of runners who will train wherever they are, and come together in Athens on the weekend of November 6-7, 2026 to run the ancient route of history’s first marathon run.
Among all the Olympic sport events, the marathon race stands out as it was born by a true historic and heroic event. It was a true triumph accomplished by a news-bearing foot soldier from ancient Athens, who announced – with his last words – the victory of the Greeks against the Persians during the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC.
The 42,195 meter marathon race became one of the most competitive events during the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896. A Greek athlete named Spyros Louis ran what has since been referred to as the original marathon course from the ancient city of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. Louis won the gold medal of the first modern Olympic Games and became a legend of Greek and international athletics.
The marathon race has always held a prominent place in the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts globally, as it represents the highest effort where the human body, soul and mind are tested to their limits as the runner presses himself/herself to reach the finish line.
How does Team Greek America work?
It doesn’t matter where you are. Each participant can train on their own with the support of our Team Captain, Manos Zervakis, who ran and completed the Athens Marathon in 2023. Team members will receive regular email communication and training tips from Captain Manos and once a month will be invited to join team Zoom meeting to discuss progress.
Requirements
- Must train on your own (virtual support will be available from Team Greek America’s captain)
- Must participate in team-building Zoom meetings scheduled throughout the year and leading up to the Athens 2026 Marathon
- Must raise or donate at least $4,000 to benefit the foundation’s charitable efforts. We will offer the template through GoFundMe to help you create your own fundraising page if you wish to create a page (see below)
- Registration and confirmation with the official Athens 2026 Marathon website.
- Must cover the cost of flights to/from Athens and other incidental expenses
What we will provide
- Round trip coach flight from any North American major airport to Athens, Greece for the race weekend. *Date extensions are possible to arrive earlier or stay longer.
- Four nights of housing in shared apartments in central Athens (each runner will have his/her own bedroom) and two group meals during the race weekend
- Team Greek America’s captain will be available for personal communications throughout the training process
- Personal fundraising page to share with family and friends and help generate support for your efforts
- The amazing feeling of being part of a team of marathon runners all coming together in the place where it all began
Interested in joining this incredible group of runners? Use the link below to apply.