Results and Race Report: Athens Marathon the Authentic 2019

 

Athens Marathon the Authentic,  Greece 10 November 2019

Male Winners:

	🥇 Komen John Kipkorir (KEN) 02:16:34 🥈 Muhitira Felicien (RWA) 02:16:43 🥉 Gkelaouzos Konstantinos (GRE) 02:19:02 Female Winners:

🥇 Petroulaki Eleftheria (GRE) 02:45:50
🥈 Asimakopoulou Aikaterini (GRE) 03:02:31
🥉 Vlachaki Panagiota (GRE) 03:04:27

Full Results: List

Photo from:Source

Latest News from Athens:   

2500+ years of History on a collection of eight medals

Based on the Greek roots of Marathon, the Hellenic Athletics Federation decided to depict the history of the sport on the medals of Athens Marathon, designed by KIZI Design Studio.

Starting in 2019 and for 8 consecutive years, one side of the finishers’ medal will depict α different historic milestone of the Marathon’s long history. Famous artists have already committed to paint the best moments of the sport. In 2019, the «Battle of Marathon 490BC» has been depicted on the medal Athens Marathon, with the unique style of the famous Greek painter, Alekos Fassianos.
In the following years, the legendary «Soldier-Messenger», the «Birth of Marathon 1896» and other turning points of Marathon’s evolution will be designed by different famous artists, such as Yannis Psichopedis, Kostas Varotsos and others. Each individual medal in the 8-piece collector’s series will be engraved with a single letter.
Once the set has been completed in 2026, on Marathon’s 130th Anniversary, the letters on the eight individual medals will spell the world “Marathon”.

Race Reports from our fellow Runners: 

 Xristina Mitsiou wrote for us:

"The Marathon is not only a race. You don't wake up one morning and say I'm going to run the Marathon today. A Marathon is an idea, an idea that has stuck to you somehow, and for some (yet unclear) reason. You do not have to be a runner for many years, nor a professional athlete. You just need to do it and of course prepare properly for it. 

Otherwise you will not be able to.

So I kind of wanted it, too, for the fourth time, even though my body was sick. Chemotherapy and limb surgeries deprived me of the joy of joining 2018. At least 42,195 meters. Last year I ran only 10 kilometers. Fortunately my oncologist, who will also be honored with this year's medal, convinced me that I am not ill. At least my soul is not sick, and that is what a marathon runner needs. He insisted from the beginning not to let running. "As long as you can" he used to say to me, and I am really very patient.

So I set up again today, along with 20,000 (!) οther runners at the Marathon starting line just to get to Kallimarmaro Stadium. Suddenly happened what we were all afraid of. Rain ! We were all standing on our blocks, helpless in the weather. And yet all the runners sing, laugh, hug, applaud, salute and smile at the drone flying over their heads. Excited, impatient and unaware that nothing is happening.

The rain stopped, thankfully fast, and everything shows that everything is going to be all right!  The organization is perfect as always. There is, of course, a huge crowd at the stations, and it is generally difficult to follow a fast pace, especially if it is towards the last blocks, due to the crowds. There are many who climb the slippery sidewalks to get ahead. But it is such a joy to be among the marathon runners, such a pride to feel in every "bravo" you hear from the world, that nothing can ruin your day. Not even the puddles that were full of water from the rain so quickly.

And then these uphills come. They push you, you lose your smile, you try to concentrate on your breath and your rhythm. And there, on the uphill, suddenly, again rain. In combination with strong wind. But no one stops. Hopefully the sun will come down again. And the runners will start singing again. November rain, Dancing in the rain, Σιγανοψιχάλισμα , βρέχει στη φτωχογειτονιά, Πέφτουν της βροχής οι στάλες και εγώ κάθομαι στις σκάλες (Greek songs). Again laughing and the uphill came out easier.

When you pass the 30th kilometer, a beginner runner, where I rank myself, is only drawn by the desire to get into Kallimarmaro. And that desire is great. This and the hugs waiting for him. Spectators at the side of the street, the smiles of the volunteers, the drums at Kattechakis street and in the Hilton curve make the descent easier. Your feet do not hold you, but your soul remains steadfast and excited.

In front of you is the most beautiful street of this city. Herod Atticus street! No matter how tired you are, you feel nothing anymore. In the background you can see Kallimarmaro Stadium. You hear the crowd. They shout at you, hear your name. Now you are crying. The magic moment when you get the medal in your neck. You want to laugh but you're still crying. And your friends are crying with you from the stands of the Stadium.

You did it this year too. 

I did it in 4:08:54. I care a little that tomorrow I am going to the operating room for the 4th time. Because today I became a marathon runner for 4th time in my life. This year's preparation had 1,611,695 kilometers of running, which equates to 1,611,695 moments. Mostly joy."

Dafnis George wrote for us:

"MARATHON . Only a word including plenty of feelings.

Let’s begin with the fact, that this is the authentic route , it is special and important for every runner .

Weather conditions weren’t perfect . There were some rain drops every now and then during the race and of course the humidity was high . However, I didn’t care at all , I was convinced that this was my race and I was going to do my best , without being carried away by other faster runners .

The moment of truth has come , the race began .
Everything was as plant , perfect , until the 31^st kilometer , when all the significant uphills ended. After that point the pace should gradually be increased and remain the same , up till the end , so as to reach the 3 hour goal that I had set since the beginning . So , I started pushing , I was feeling strong due to good stamina management . At 33^rd kilometer the first fatigue indications appeared . I knew that there were two options . Either continue at a fast pace , risking to drop out . Or to slow down as much needed , in order to arrive at the Panathenaic stadium , pass the finish line healthy and enjoy this special celebration .
Without second thought , I chose to slow down .
In conclusion , It is crucial to listen to our bodies and respect them .
Congratulations to all the participants , that had the pleasure to be a part of this event."

Thank you so much Xristina and George!!!

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