How I Conquered the Athens Marathon: A Journey of Grit and Glory

As I prepare for the 50th Berlin Marathon on September 29th, a wave of memories from my past marathons comes flooding back. I’m currently dealing with some health issues and awaiting a CT scan for a potential kidney stone, but these challenges only make me reflect more deeply on one of the most incredible achievements of my life: finishing the Athens Marathon, one of the toughest road races in the world!

View from the sky as I fly
from Munich to athens

The Legendary Athens Marathon:

The Athens Marathon, known as the Authentic Marathon, is more than just a race—it's a journey through history. This is where it all began, the birthplace of the marathon legend itself. The race starts in the historic village of Marathonas, about 40 km northeast of Athens. According to legend, in 490 BC, a messenger named Pheidippides ran from Marathonas to Athens to deliver the news of Greece’s victory over the Persians—a grueling 42 km journey. Though he didn’t survive, his legacy ignited a tradition that has endured for centuries, leading to the 42.2 km marathons we run today.

Why Start My Marathon Journey in Athens?

Why not start with the race that began it all? 😜 But the truth goes deeper. When I first started running in 2019, I never imagined that I could push my limits beyond 10 km. But as the kilometers piled up, I discovered something profound: running wasn't just about fitness—it became my passion, my therapy, and my path to a new life. It helped me quit smoking, manage stress, and introduced me to an incredible community of fellow runners. The thrill of race day, the roar of the crowd, the unity among runners—it’s intoxicating.

When I learned about the history of the marathon, I knew that if I were to run my first full marathon, it had to be in Athens—the very birthplace of the marathon. This race wasn’t just another challenge; it was a pilgrimage, a tribute to the history that has inspired millions of runners worldwide.

The Road to Athens: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs

My marathon training began in early 2021, with my sights set on the 38th Athens Marathon in November. I was in the best shape of my life, having set a personal best at the Vienna City Half Marathon with a time of 1 hour and 38 minutes, and a pace of 4:41/km. I was more than ready for Athens. I rallied my running buddies to join me, and everything seemed perfect—until disaster struck.

While biking to work one day, I had a serious accident, resulting in a partial rupture of the MCL in my left knee. At first, I downplayed the injury, but a week later, during a run, the pain became unbearable. A visit to the orthopedic specialist confirmed my worst fears: no sports for eight weeks, followed by two weeks of physiotherapy. My dream of running the Athens Marathon was slipping away, and with it, my spirit. I fell into a deep depression—a place I hope no one ever has to visit.

As my friends ran the marathon without me, I was left on the sidelines. Unable to fly home due to skyrocketing ticket prices, I booked a trip to India in January, hoping a change of scenery would help me recover. Slowly, I started running again. When a friend from France visited, we impulsively decided to tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc—a brutal 180 km trek with a staggering 11,000 meters of elevation gain over seven days. It was grueling, especially the 42 km hike with a 2,000-meter elevation gain on day six. But the pain was worth it; the sense of accomplishment was like nothing I’d ever felt.

By November, I was back to running, albeit cautiously. I’d already registered for the Paris Marathon in April 2023 with my adrenaline buddy, so Athens 2022 seemed out of reach. But deep down, I couldn’t let go of that dream. So, I reached out to the Athens Marathon organizers. After relentless persistence, they granted me a late entry. I was over the moon! I booked my flight and accommodation immediately, my excitement soaring.

Race Day: The Ultimate Test

I arrived in Athens a few days early, eager and ready for battle. Before landing, I sought out fellow runners and connected with the Adidas Runners community—a global network of runners who share a passion for the sport. In Athens, I joined the shakeout run with the Adidas Runners, led by the local chapter. I met an incredible group of people from Greece and beyond, including some from London, with whom I still keep in touch. Their energy was infectious, and it felt like I had found my tribe.

Using Garmin’s PacePro, I meticulously planned my race strategy. Everything was set. The first 20-25 km felt fantastic. But th
en came the infamous uphill sections, and that’s when I made a rookie mistake—I took a gel with caffeine, something I’d never tried before. My heart started racing uncontrollably, and I had to stop to regain my composure. As if that wasn’t enough, 2 km later, my legs cramped up. The pain was excruciating, but there was no way I was giving up.

I pushed on, stopping periodically to stretch and massage my cramped muscles. My pace took a hit, and Garmin kept reminding me that I was behind schedule. But none of that mattered. This was my dream run, and I was determined to finish. I reminded myself of everything I had invested in this race—the time off work, the flights, the accommodations—there was no way I was quitting.

The Finish Line: Sweet Victory

Despite the cramps, the caffeine jitters, and the mental battles, I crossed that finish line. It wasn’t my fastest race, but it was by far the most meaningful. I nearly gave up three times, but each time, I took a deep breath, refocused, and remembered why I was there. I didn’t just survive the Athens Marathon—I conquered it. And that, to me, is the ultimate achievement.

Lessons Learned:

Running the Athens Marathon taught me about resilience, the power of persistence, and the importance of holding onto your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Never try anything new during the race as I did with the caffeine gel and feeling like dying. The road may be tough, but the finish line is always attractive.