The 13th Athens Half Marathon is underway Sunday, prompting road closures downtown as 25,000 runners compete in multiple races throughout the day. The race starts and finishes in Syntagma Square on a new, faster course designed for better performances.

Dedicated to Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, the event is one of Greece’s top road races, organized by SEGAS, the Municipality of Athens and the Region of Attica. It also includes the Greek National and Balkan Half Marathon Championships, held simultaneously on the same course.

Greek athletes Nikos Stamoulis, Charalampos Pitsolis, Anastasia Marinakou and Stamatia Noula are competing in the national championship. Three-time Athens Half Marathon winner Panagiotis Karaiskos is racing for another title, while past champions Magda Gazea, Rania Reboulis and Katerina Asimakopoulou are in the women’s division.

The half marathon began at 8.30 a.m., with runners starting in waves. A 5K race is set to follow at noon, and a Family Run at 11.45 a.m. includes young children, guardians and Special Olympics athletes.

All races are expected to conclude by 1.30 p.m.

Source: Ekathimerini.com