This coming weekend, 9-10 November 2024, there will be traffic restrictions in Athens due to the 41st Athens Classic Marathon. Here is everything you need to know.
The Athens Marathon race – Traffic restrictions this weekend
Traffic regulations will be enforced in the wider Athens area on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10. This is in view of the 41st Authentic Athens Marathon.
The regulations will apply to the main Marathon race on Sunday, as well as the accompanying 10 km, 5 km, and 1.2 km road races over the weekend. Apart from traffic restrictions, parking will also be prohibited at various areas.
All races will terminate at the impressive Panathenaic Stadium, which will be open for everyone to visit and congratulate the runners.
Here is some more information about the traffic restrictions over the Marathon weekend.
Saturday 9 November – 5 km Marathon races
On Saturday, November 9th, from 17:00 to about 20:30, two consecutive road races will take place: the 5 km race and the Universities 5 km night run. Both races will begin at Amalias Avenue, close to Syntagma Square, and end at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.
Both of these races will follow this route:
Vas. Amalias – El. Venizelou (Panepistimiou) – Riga Feraiou – Akadimias – Vas. Sofias – Turn around at Vas. Sofias – Irodou Attikou – Panathenaic Stadium.
There will be a traffic ban in central Athens from 16:00 (15:00 for Vass. Amalias Avenue).
Sunday 10 November – Athens Classic Marathon
The 41st Authentic Athens Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 10th. The 42.195 km race will commence at 9:00 at Marathon Town, and end at the Panathenaic Stadium.
The Marathon route runs along Marathonos Avenue, Messogion, Michalakopoulou, Fidippidou, Vas. Sofias, Irodou Attikou, and terminates at the Panathenaic Stadium.
Traffic regulations will be in place along this route until about 18:00. Both sides of these roads will be closed to traffic, with the exception of vehicles that are necessary for the safety of the athletes.
Sunday 10 November – 10 km road race
On Sunday 10 November, there will also be a 10 km race in downtown Athens, which will take place from Amalias Avenue (Syntagma) to Panathenaic Stadium.
The race will commence at 08:15 and follow the route: Amalias Avenue – El. Venizelou (Panepistimiou) – Har. Trikoupi – Akadimias – Vas. Sofias – Fidippidou – Messogion – Michalakopoulou – Messogion – Vass. Sofias – Irodou Attikou – Panathenaic Stadium.
There will be a complete traffic ban in central Athens from 06:30 (05:00 for Vass. Amalias Avenue), that will continue throughout the Full Marathon race.
Traffic regulations over the Marathon weekend
During the specified race periods, temporary traffic regulations will be gradually implemented along the Marathon route. The measures will affect all municipalities along the route.
This includes Marathon, Rafina-Pikermi, Pallini-Gerakas, Paiania-Glyka Nera, Stavros, Agia Paraskevi, Papagos-Cholargos, Chalandri, Filothei-Psyhiko, and the municipality of Athens.
Streets in those areas will be closed to traffic over various times of the weekend, and traffic will be diverted through alternative routes.
In addition, parking will be prohibited along central avenues such as Messogion, Vas. Sofias, Vas. Konatantinou, Ardittou, Michalakopoulou, Fidippidou, Syngrou, and the streets around the Panathenaic Stadium.
For the full list of traffic restrictions, have a look at this article (in Greek).
Bus route changes over the Marathon weekend
Due to the Marathon race, many bus routes will be altered, and a few will be cancelled altogether. For detailed information, check the official OASA public transportation website.
Note that the airport bus X95 will not be running from and to Syntagma. Instead, it will be running from and to the 401 Hospital, close to Katechaki metro station. If you are heading to the Athens airport, it’s probably best to take the Athens airport metro.
Also, note that Tram Line 6 will be terminating at Syngrou – Fix metro station, rather than Syntagma Square.
Weather in Athens on the Marathon weekend
According to the latest predictions, the weather on Sunday November 10th will be in favor of the runners.
During the early morning hours on Sunday, there will be a light westerly wind. This will lead to a slight decrease in temperature compared to the previous days.
At the start of the race, the temperature is projected to be around 11-12 degrees with a humidity level of 87%. By midday, the temperature in central Athens is likely to reach 18-19 degrees, with approximately 60% humidity.
Not too bad!
Best place to see the Marathon runners in Athens
On Marathon Sunday, Athens will transform into a giant carnival of joy and excitement. This is a once-a-year opportunity to see central Athens without the usual traffic!
No matter where you position yourself along the Marathon route, you will be able to see the runners and cheer for them! And if you don’t know much about the origins of the famous race, here is some background information about the Athens Marathon.
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Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens, and I share news and guides about Greece on my blog. Follow me on Facebook for more Greece-related inspiration and travel tips! Hope to see you somewhere along the Marathon route 🙂