The 43rd Athens Authentic Marathon is drawing a record turnout of more than 85,000 participants across all race categories, with extensive traffic restrictions in effect throughout Attica on Sunday.

Runners from 124 countries are taking part in this year’s event, including approximately 25,000 competing in the 42.195-kilometer classic course from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in central Athens.

The day’s program opened with the 10-kilometer race, which started at 8 a.m. from Vasilissis Amalias Avenue and finished at the Panathenaic Stadium. Panagiotis Petroulas won the men’s race, while Anastasia Marinakou took first place in the women’s category.

The main marathon began at 8:30 a.m. in Marathon, with temperatures at 12 degrees Celsius. Saturday’s events included two 5-kilometer races and shorter events for children, Special Olympics athletes and people with disabilities. The Marathon Flame was also lit in a ceremony at the historic Marathon Tomb on Saturday.

Traffic restrictions

Extensive road closures are affecting central Athens and major routes across Attica, including Marathon Avenue, Mesogeion Avenue, Kifissias Avenue and Katechaki Avenue

Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, Ardittou Street and Vasilissis Olgas Avenue are closed in both directions until 7:30 p.m. Traffic restrictions are also in place along the marathon route and in areas including Nea Makri, Rafina, Pallini, Gerakas and Agia Paraskevi.

Police are urging motorists to avoid driving in affected areas and follow officers’ instructions. Pedestrians, cyclists and electric scooter users are also prohibited from crossing or traveling along the racecourse while runners are passing.

Drivers traveling from Marathon toward the northern suburbs, Piraeus port or the Panathenaic Stadium are advised to use an alternative route via Dimokratias Street, Marathon Lake Avenue, Chelmou Street, Kryoneri and the Athens-Lamia highway, continuing toward Kifissos Avenue.

For traffic information, the Marathon Operations Center is available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 210 8708 237, 210 8708 238 and 210 8708 239.

Source: Ekathimerini.com