The Athens Marathon was the 263rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 267th largest in 2022.
This year 11.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 5.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Athens Marathon the 323rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 41st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.63 ranks it as the 71st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Ohio.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Athens Marathon a PR Score of 99.63. This PR Score ranks it as the 54th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Ohio.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Athens Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 708 feet (215m) Min Elevation: 636 feet (193m)
Paid an in person race price and was transferred to virtual without the option of deferral or refund for the difference. They didn't even file for a permit to host the race so it seems like they floated an in person race concept to get more cash flow before switching to virtual only. They haven't responded to public outrage which is why I think it's necessary to post this. Everything about this race looked great, but it's hard to think about supporting an organization that took advantage of the race starved community.
I signed up for this marathon before covid was a big deal in 2020. When the race director decided to cancel the 2020 marathon for safety concerns, I was disappointed. But, I felt that was a good choice. Runners were given the option to defer to the 2021 race. I was excited for this option. I started prepping and had a hotel booked for the 2021 race. The race director decided to cancel the 2021 race because of covid. I again, understand the reason to cancel. However, there was NO deferring any entries to the 2022 race. They literally took everyone's money and ran. Not very professional at all. The only option was to complete a virtual run, which is what no one signed up for. I would have liked to defer my entry to 2022, but those involved where only interested in the money. I would suggest that no one run this race in the future as way to show everyone who was involved in the decision to just take peoples money that a race is nothing without the runners.
Small Marathon without the crowds you find at the larger races. You can park right next to the finish line so it's an easy, but painful walk in my case to my car. You must bring your own gel's but there is plenty of aid stations with water or energy drink on the course. Very flat and fast course. Easy on the legs with no up hills at all. I used this marathon as my BQ and was able to achieve my goal time. After the race they had free massages for all runners which was a great added benefit to running this race.
Park near the finish line and walk the 1/2 mile up to the start line.
ALH's review of 2012 Athens Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
The course is very flat (first 200 meters is down hill) and the rest is on a flat bike trail with the finish being on a track.
Race Tips
The mile markers on the course and mostly out of place or non existent. Bring your own GU and refreshments because there was very little Gatorade and water throughout the course.
