Running

Athens Authentic Marathon. Usually held every year in early November (though 2020 was cancelled for obvious reasons), this route follows roughly the same course taken in 490 BC by the courier Pheidippides, when he carried to Athens the news of victory over the Persians, the 42-km (26-mile) race is open to men and women of all ages. Starting in Marathon, it finishes at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. In recent years, the event has been updated to include pasta parties and other events for runners. If following in all of Pheidippides's footsteps is too much for you, the 5-km (3-mile), 10-km (6-mile), or power-walking races are good options. Even if you don't have the stamina for the race, cheer on the runners at the end of the route in Athens—they represent many ages, nationalities, and physiques. Those who finish the course enter triumphantly into the marble stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

Marathonos, at 25th Martiou St., Marathon, Attica, 19007. 21118/77718; www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr.