On the occasion of the 2019 Athens Marathon, the Hellenic Athletics Federation introduced a medal series with unique historic, cultural and artistic value. The first medal of that series, dedicated to the history and evolution of the Marathon movement, was offered to the participants in last year’s Athens Marathon event that was held on November 9th & 10th, 2019. That first medal, already in the possession of the 2019 Athens Marathon participants, is signed by Alekos Fasianos, the world famous Greek artist, who has managed to depict the Marathon Battle (490BC) on the back side of the medal. One of the eight letters of the word “MARATHON” is highlighted on the medal each year, so that the entire word is formed by the end of this series. Normally, the medal of the 2020 Athens Marathon would be dedicated to the “Imerodromos”, the soldier that carried the message of victory from the battle field to Athens, and it would have the signature of another world known Greek artist, Kostas Varotsos. However, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Athens Marathon will not take place. Following a recent decision of the Organizing Committee, a virtual event will be held at its place, from November 8th to 22nd.
The new medal of the “Athens Marathon, the Authentic” Every runner who will cross the finish line inside the Panathenaic Stadium will receive the first medal of a new series, reflecting the history of the Marathon race.
A total of eight different collective medals, one per year, will be awaiting runners until 2026 for the 130th anniversary of the first modern Marathon race. This year’s medal will depict the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) between Athenians and Persians on one side, designed by Alekos Fasianos, one of the greatest contemporary Greek painters.

Medal design include the following elements:
The Panathinaikos Stadium | M | COLECTOR 2019 | SEGAS LOGO | OPAP LOGO | GRIGORIS LAMBRAKIS FIGURE
The official name of the respective Games, in this case Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020 The Olympic five rings symbo

Medal Specifiacations
Diameter: 75mm
Thickness: 5.5mm
Weight: 130g
Ribbon: Attached to the top of medal | Length: 450mm

Medal designer
The basis of the Medal and the side depicting the Panathenaic stadium, designed by Spyros Kizis, member of KIZI STUDIO.
The second side designed by Alekos Fasianos, one of the greatest contemporary Greek painters. This year’s medal (2019) depict the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) between Athenians and Persians.

Among all the Olympic sport events, the Marathon Race stands out as it was born by a true historic and heroic event. It was a true triumph accomplished by a news-bearing foot soldier from ancient Athens, who announced – with his last words – the victory of the Greeks against the Persians during the Marathon Battle in 490 BC. The 42,195m Marathon Race became one of the most competitive events during the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896. A Greek athlete named Spyros Louis, running what has ever since been referred to as the Original Marathon Course from the ancient city of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, won the gold medal of  the first modern Olympic Games and became a legend of Greek and International Athletics. The Marathon Race has always had a prominent place in the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts, as it represents the highest effort where the human body, soul and mind are tested to their limits as the runner presses himself/herself to reach the finish line. SEGAS, the Hellenic Athletics Federation, has the honor and the historic responsibility to organize annually the Athens Classic Marathon on the Original Marathon Course. Since 1982, the Athens Classic Marathon has been dedicated to Gregoris Lambrakis, the athlete, scientist and Member of Parliament, who was murdered in the 60s and, after his death, became a symbol of Human Rights. From the year 2011 onwards, OPAP S.A., the leading gaming operator in Greece and one of the major corporations in Greece and Europe, has been nominated Grand Sponsor of the event and its valuable support led to the significant upgrade of the race in all aspects. Thousands of runners from all over the world are expected to participate in every year’s race. Apart from the sporting experience, they will have the chance to enjoy the traditional Greek hospitality, discover the fascinating landscape of our country and explore a city which is constantly improving its standards.