Alexander The Great International Marathon 2026
- Next eventย :ย Sun, April 26, 2026Date confirmed
The event in a few words
Like good old Alexander, embark on the conquest of the world marathon and challenge the greatest runners on the planet in the "Marathon of History" ๐๏ธ.
Next April, no more fish on your back ๐ and dubious jokes, it's time to get serious ๐ง. In Pella, in northern Greece ๐ฌ๐ท, will be held the Alexander The Great International Marathon. This marathon, aimed at defending the history and culture ๐ง of ancient Greece wishes to put the Greek Macedonia on the world map and remind that the History of the marathon (with a capital H ๐ค) was primarily written in their country ๐. So that you can participate in this event ๐๏ธ, announced as one of the greatest annual Greek events, we have made a little summary ๐ of what awaits you โฌ๏ธ.
First, why Alexander the Great? Simply because the great Greek conqueror โ๏ธ was born in Pella, right where the race kicks off ๐. The organizers aim to honor him by making the region shine โจ, highlighting the environment and local specialties ๐ฝ๏ธ. With that in mind, the Alexander The Great International Marathon (in its French version ๐ซ๐ท) was born in 2006. Over the years, and to accommodate all levels of runners ๐ช, three distances were created: a 5 km course, a 10 km course, and the legendary 42.195 km course ๐. All routes are very smooth, with 45 mD- for the marathon starting from Pella ๐. The slope is gentle and unfolds over the entire route. Ideal for setting a new record or establishing a first time on the distance โฑ๏ธ. The 10 km and 5 km, favored by more explosive runners ๐ฅ, will also convince with their straight routes and record possibilities ๐ . This year, for the youngest participants ๐ง, a free 1,000 m course is even offered to test their speed and challenge their friends ๐.
Next, for those who might play the amnesia card ๐ณ๏ธ up to this point, hereโs a historical recap ๐ฆ. The marathon is a foot race event that owes its name to the athletic feat ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ of a certain Pheidippides. This Greek messenger would have run the distance between the cities of Marathon and Athens in a few hours, to announce the victory of the Marathon battle ๐คฏ. Back then, you couldn't rely on carbon shoes or nasal strips ๐ for better performance, but simply on your lungs and mental strength ๐ง . So if at any point you stop feeling your legs, think about good old Pheidippides, and remember that he would have kept going ๐คช.
This marathon is also a way to travel and discover Northern Greece ๐งญ. Everyone knows Athens, the island Salamis and the Saronic Islands ๐๏ธ, but few have looked into the charms of the northern part of the country, and it's a mistake ๐. Historically, there is firstly the Archaeological Museum of Pella ๐บ and the Royal Tombs of Philip II ๐ (Alexander's father) to discover, closest to the race. On the side of Thessaloniki, the White Tower ๐งฑ is an emblematic monument of the city that you can take a detour to, just before or after observing the many Byzantine churches โช๏ธ present in the city (some listed as UNESCO heritage). But the area is not lacking from an environmental ๐ perspective: Mount Olympus and Lake Kerkini โต๏ธ will fulfill your explorer expectations. Whether you are fond of landscapes or ancient Greece, you will find your happiness outside of the race ๐.
So, now that youโve become a true historian thanks to our splendid information, pack your magnifying glass and microscope ๐ฌ, donโt forget your sneakers, and come see all this with your own eyes ๐.
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
Marathon
10โkm
5โkmTOP
Kids
- Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 7:30 AM
- 600+ runners in the last edition
- Distinct starting and finishing locations
A few more words
A mythical distance that gives the event its name: it must be pretty great, right? ๐ค
For the Alexander the Great International Marathon, the organizers went for speed and drew a long straight line between Pella and Thessaloniki ๐. So, no need to think about turns and no possibility to desert get lost. You can fully focus ๐ง on running at your pace and keeping up with other runners in your starting SAS. From Pella to Thessaloniki, passing through Gefyra, Gallikos, and Iona, you'll return home having learned more city and neighborhood names than common names ๐คช. Marathons make you travel while staying in the same country ๐.
- Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- 1,000+ runners in the last edition
- Distinct starting and finishing locations
A few more words
The dream distance to set a PR and see your progress over time ๐ฐ๏ธ. Take your place at the municipal stadium of Ampelokipi-Menemeni and chart your course through the city of Thessaloniki ๐๏ธ. The course is almost in a straight line, which should help you avoid any mishaps on the road ๐ฃ๏ธ. The finish will be at the foot of the statue of Alexander the Great, who, for that matter, might overshadow you by a few meters ๐ . Donโt worry about the course, you won't be cheated of any meters ๐ and you can ensure to set your record by the book, as the course is also certified by the IAAF ๐.
- Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 12:30 PM
- 2,000+ runners in the last edition
- Distinct starting and finishing locations
A few more words
The 5 km course will take you along the coast of Thessaloniki: first in the city, then along the Thermaic Gulf ๐ณ๏ธ. The return will be an opportunity to enjoy the view ๐. But don't get caught counting the boats or daydreaming ๐ถโ๐ซ๏ธ, the race continues and you've got a time to chase down ๐. So once you spot the large statue of the local hero in the distance, push hard on those thighs and unleash an out-of-this-world sprint ๐.
Races for children / juniors ๐ถ
The most athletic kids' race in all of Greece? ๐ It's up to the young recruits to prove it to us. 1,000 m to compete against other young people in the region. A mix of speed, adrenaline, and explosiveness ๐งจ that will leave no one's ego unscathed ๐คช. Be sure to reserve your place as early as possible, even if itโs free ๐: registration limit is set at 2,000 participants ๐๏ธ.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up your race number at Pavilion 2, Thessaloniki International Fair โ HELEXPO Exhibition:
From Thursday, April 23, 2026 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm.
The races will start on Sunday, April 26, 2026:
For the 5 km: at 12:30 pm at Thessaloniki City Hall.
For the 10 km: at 8:30 am at Ampelokipi-Menemeni Municipal Stadium located at 157 28th October Street.
For the 42 km: at 7:30 am in Pella, in front of the statue of Alexander the Great on horseback (located just one kilometer from the namesake archaeological site).
For the 1,000 m children's race: at 7:30 am on the coastal road (Leoforos Nikis) from Aristotelous Square.
No, it is not required.
Yes, they vary by race:
For the 5 km and 10 km courses: participants must be at least 12 years old.
For the 42 km course: participants must be at least 18 years old.
For the 1,000 m children's course: participants must have been born between 2016 and 2014.
The race number price varies by course and package:
For the 5 km: โฌ20 basic pack, โฌ45 advanced pack, โฌ70 complete pack
For the 10 km: โฌ20 basic pack, โฌ45 advanced pack, โฌ70 complete pack
For the 42 km: โฌ35 basic pack, โฌ60 advanced pack, โฌ85 complete pack
For the 5 & 10 km (double race number): โฌ30 basic pack
For the 1,000 m children's course: free and limited to 2,000 participants
Yes, here they are:
For the 5 km: 1h30
For the 10 km: 2h
For the 42 km: 6h
Liquid and solid refreshments are provided based on the courses:
For the 5 km: at the start (liquid) and at the finish (liquid and solid).
For the 10 km: at the start, at km 5, at km 7.5 (liquid) and at the finish (liquid and solid).
For the 42 km: liquid every 2.5 km starting from km 5 and solid every 10 km starting from km 15. Liquid and solid refreshments are also provided at the finish for the 42 km.
Your registration includes:
In the 5 km & 10 km basic pack: Sponsor T-shirt, race number & timing, finisher's medal, refreshments, medical services, certificate of participation.
In the 5 km & 10 km advanced pack: Sponsor T-shirt, race number & timing, finisher's medal, refreshments, medical services, certificate of participation, sports backpack, wrist water bottle, elastic belt for gels.
In the 5 km & 10 km complete pack: Sponsor T-shirt, race number & timing, finisher's medal, refreshments, medical services, certificate of participation, sports backpack, wrist water bottle, elastic belt for gels, stretchable arm pocket, cap, flyers.
In the basic marathon pack: Technical T-shirt, race number & timing, finisher's medal, transportation to the start (Pella), refreshments, medical services, certificate of participation.
In the advanced marathon pack: Technical T-shirt, race number & timing, finisher's medal, transportation to the start (Pella), refreshments, medical services, certificate of participation, sports backpack, wrist water bottle, elastic belt for gels.
In the complete marathon pack: Technical T-shirt, race number & timing, finisher's medal, transportation to the start (Pella), refreshments, medical services, certificate of participation, sports backpack, wrist water bottle, elastic belt for gels, stretchable arm pocket, cap, flyers.
If you have any questions, you can contact the organizers by email at one of these two addresses: info@atgm.gr or info@alexanderthegreatmarathon.org
You can check the race rules here
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