The International Marathon “GREAT ALEXANDER” covers the route from Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great to Thessaloniki. The Marathon is an international sporting event and a journey through history, from antiquity to the present day.
The first International Marathon “GREAT ALEXANDER” was held on April 16, 2006 and was the result of the vision of sports, social and cultural organizations from all over Greece. The M.E.A.S. TRITON Thessaloniki was licensed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and under the auspices of the SEGAS, the H.O.E, the Greek National Committee for UNESCO, as well as with the cooperation of institutions as institutional supporters, organizes the top event.
The International Marathon is a member of the International Association of International Marathons (AIMS), is consistently included in the annual official international calendar, excluding the right of any other marathon internationally to use the name of Alexander the Great. From Pella and specifically from the modern equestrian statue of Alexander the Great, the start of the race is given. The finish is located at the beach of Thessaloniki – Avenue of Alexander the Great (height of the equestrian statue of Alexander the Great – 42nd km). The official race program includes in addition:
- Panhellenic Championship Marathon Road Race for People with Disabilities
– Athletes with visual impairment (categories 11-12-13)
– Athletes with cerebral palsy (categories 33-34 and 35 -38)
– Athletes with mobility impairments – amputations (categories 51-54, 42-46 and 61-64)
- Health and Dynamic Walking 10.000m.
Starting point: Municipal Stadium of Ampelokipi – Menemeni (157, 28th October Street) Finish: Thessaloniki Beach – Megalo Alexandrou Avenue (height of the statue of Megalo Alexandrou on horseback). The route is officially certified by the IAAF, as is the route of the Marathon.
- Health and Dynamic Walking 5.000m.
Starting point: Thessaloniki City Hall (junction of Vas. Georgiou and 3rd September streets).
Finish: Thessaloniki Beach – Avenue of Megalo Alexandrou (height of the statue of Megalo Alexandrou on horseback).
- In parallel with the organization of the International Marathon “GREAT ALEXANDER” and outside the official racing program, a 1,000m Race for Primary School Students is held in cooperation with the Organization The Smile of the Child.
On the eve of the big race, the Alexandria Marathon race is held. In the context of this event, events are held at the starting point (Archaeological Site of Pella), at the finish (statue of Alexander the Great on horseback, Thessaloniki beach), as well as in thirteen (13) areas – stations along the route, where messages of peace, reconciliation, respect and dialogue between peoples are conveyed.
Volunteerism is perhaps the most important factor in the success of the International Marathon “GREAT ALEXANDROS” and its staff earn the respect and recognition of the participating runners.
