The Athens Marathon Collector’s Medal 2022 is the third of a series of 8 collectable medals of unique historic, cultural and artistic value, dedicated to the Marathon’s history, introduced by SEGAS and the Hellenic Athletics Federation in 2019.

This third medal – 2022 – bears the signature of the Greek artist Yiannis Psychopedis, one of the main exponents of artistic Critical Realism, depicting an abstract version of a pediment that refers to the great monument of classical antiquity, the Parthenon, built in the 5th c. b.c. and in its frame bears the inscription “Cradle of Democracy”. The letter “A” is featured on the pediment, as a reference to the city of Athens and the Athenians who victoriously faced the Persians in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. After the battle, the soldier-runner carried the message of victory from the battlefield to the city, running the first Marathon in History.

 It also contains the letter “D”, which refers to Democracy and its ideals. Under the “roof” of Athens, Democracy, and the Parthenon, there is an olive branch, symbol or peace and several marathon runners, since the Marathon has evolved into a running movement that is constantly expanding. 

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. The letter “R” is highlighted on this year’s medal. The basis of the Medal and the side depicting the Panathenaic stadium, is designed by Spyros Kizis, member of the design studio GRID. 

This year the letter “R” is engraved on the medal.

A total of eight different collectable medals, one per year, will be awaiting runners until 2027 for the 130th anniversary of the first modern Marathon race.

The medal comes in a specially designed packaging which can be used as a beautiful display case, featuring the letter that is engraved on the medal, for your home or office.

Medal design include the following elements:
The Panathinaikos Stadium | R | COLECTOR 2022 | SEGAS LOGO | OPAP LOGO | GRIGORIS LAMBRAKIS FIGURE

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 the design studio GRID.

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.