Alexander The Great International Marathon 2027

Like good old Alexander, set out to conquer the world marathon and come challenge the greatest runners on the planet at the “Marathon of History” 🏛️.

Next April, no more paper fish on your back 🐟 and dodgy jokes—we’re getting serious 🧐. In Pella, in northern Greece 🇬🇷, the Alexander The Great International Marathon will take place. This marathon, aimed at celebrating the history and culture 🧠 of ancient Greece, wants to put Greek Macedonia on the world map and remind everyone that the History of the marathon (with a capital H 🤓) was first and foremost written in their country 🌍. So that you can take part in this event 🎟️, billed as one of the biggest annual Greek events, we’ve put together a little recap 📋 of what awaits you ⬇️.

First of all, why Alexander the Great? Quite simply because the great Greek ⚔️ conqueror was born in Pella, the very place where the race starts 🏁. The organizers’ aim is to pay tribute to him by making the region shine ✨ and showcasing the environment and local specialties 🍽️. It was with that in mind that the Alexander the Great International Marathon (in French version 🇫🇷) was born in 2006. Over the years, and to adapt the race to all levels 💪, three distances were introduced: a 5 km course, a 10 km course, and the legendary 42.195 km 👟 route. All the courses are very fast, with 45 mD- for the marathon starting from Pella 📉. The slope is gentle and spread out over the whole course. Ideal for chasing a new record or setting a first time over the distance ⏱️. The 10 km and 5 km, popular with more explosive runners 💥, will also win you over with their straight courses and record potential 🏅. This year, for the youngest 👧, a free 1,000 m race is even offered to test your speed and challenge your friends 😎.

Next, for those who have been playing the memory-hole card up to this point 🕳️, here’s a historical 🦟 reminder. The marathon is a running event that owes its name to the athletic feat 🏋️‍♀️ of a certain Pheidippides. This Greek messenger is said to have run the distance between the cities of Marathon and Athens in a few hours, to announce the victory at the Battle of Marathon 🤯. Back then, there was no relying on carbon shoes or nasal strips 👃 to perform better—just your lungs and your mindset 🧠. So if at some point you can’t feel your legs anymore, think of good old Pheidippides, and tell yourself he would have kept going 🤪.

This marathon is also a way to travel and discover Northern Greece 🧭. Everyone knows Athens, the island of Salamis and the Saronic Islands 🏝️, but few people have ever taken a closer look at the charms of the north of the country—and wrongly so 👀. From a historical point of view, there is first and foremost the Archaeological Museum of Pella 🏺 and the royal tombs of Philip II 👑 (Alexander’s father) to discover, very close to the race. Over in Thessaloniki, the White Tower 🧱 is an iconic city landmark you can detour to, just before or after taking in the many Byzantine churches ⛪️ in the city (some of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites). But the area is no slouch from an environmental 🍃 standpoint either: Mount Olympus and Lake Kerkini ⛵️ will more than meet your explorer’s expectations. Whether you’re a fan of landscapes or ancient Greece, you’ll also find plenty to enjoy beyond the race 🏃.

So, now that you’ve become a real historian thanks to our splendid information, pack your magnifying glass and microscope 🔬, don’t forget your running shoes, and come see it all with your own eyes 😎.