A memorable experience, running my hometown marathon and finishing holding hands with my 3 & 1/2 yrs old son at the stadium while my wife Elpida was looking us from the stands. This time we run together with Ermis, compared to 2015 when he was in my arms (9 months old back then). For the records, this was 2:52:20 achievement completing 9 consecutive years of sub-3 marathons.
Some details from my experience this year: Did an equal split run (given the 50secs I walked in the stadium with my son). I can describe my training designed to preserve my previous physical condition and did not have any expectations from my participations in terms of hard effort! It was my 5th Athens Marathon since 2007 and my second fastest time on this course. This is a hilly course (for those not familiar with this course) and my run-log file is available at Garmin Connect (below).
The organization was at a very good level. Runners as well as spectators did not have any problems and the event is well managed in terms of hospitality and security. I always find unique the feeling of comfort and safety in Athens. Spectators can see the runners in the historic Panathinaiko stadium right to the finish line just a few meters away from the action. This is something I am missing from races abroad.
The event this year attracted 3,6% more runners than 2017. Greek runners accounted for about 50% of the field but were 4,6% less (7.805 in 2017 versus 7458 in 2018). Women runners increased by more than 12% (3.288 in 2018).
Proposed improvements to consider:
Some details from my experience this year: Did an equal split run (given the 50secs I walked in the stadium with my son). I can describe my training designed to preserve my previous physical condition and did not have any expectations from my participations in terms of hard effort! It was my 5th Athens Marathon since 2007 and my second fastest time on this course. This is a hilly course (for those not familiar with this course) and my run-log file is available at Garmin Connect (below).
The organization was at a very good level. Runners as well as spectators did not have any problems and the event is well managed in terms of hospitality and security. I always find unique the feeling of comfort and safety in Athens. Spectators can see the runners in the historic Panathinaiko stadium right to the finish line just a few meters away from the action. This is something I am missing from races abroad.
The event this year attracted 3,6% more runners than 2017. Greek runners accounted for about 50% of the field but were 4,6% less (7.805 in 2017 versus 7458 in 2018). Women runners increased by more than 12% (3.288 in 2018).
Proposed improvements to consider:
- Toilets should not be placed in the warm up area. The track field at the start is not suitable for 300 toilets!!!
- Starting blocks should be supervised better and runners should not be allowed to move between blocks so easily. Also if they do so, they should be disqualified... Many incidents this year!
- Hydration and nutrition at the finish should be closer to the finish line. Exausted runners had to walk about 600 meters before getting access to a bottle of water and something to eat!
