MARATHON, GREECE – NOVEMBER 7, 2026: The opening ceremony of the 43rd Athens Marathon, The Authentic, takes place at the historic Marathon Tomb in Marathon, northeast of Athens. The ceremony included a musical tribute to Greek composer Vangelis Papathanassiou performed by the ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra, followed by the traditional Marathon Flame torch relay to the historic race start. Former marathon champion Dimitra Papaspyrou and Grigoris Lambrakis, grandson of peace activist and athlete Grigoris Lambrakis, began the relay. Greek athletics champions Sotiris Garaganis and Georgia Despollari carried the flame during its final stage before the ceremonial cauldron was lit. The marathon takes place on November 8, with around 25,000 runners from 124 countries expected at the start. Photo: © Harris Xanthopoulos / MedPress