- The Welcome Address will be delivered by the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Nikos Hardalias.
- The Mayor of Palaio Faliro, Mr. Giannis Fostiropoulos, will also deliver a Welcome Address.
- The Mayor of Alimos, Mr. Andreas Kondylis, will deliver a Welcome Address.
- The General Coordinator and Chair of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Kostas Liapis, will also deliver a Welcome Address
It is with great pleasure that I welcome the 17th International Poseidon Athens Half Marathon, an event that has rightfully earned its place on the global running map and has now become one of the most important sporting events in our country.
The Region of Attica has consistently supported the Poseidon Athens Half Marathon, doing what is only natural: standing alongside initiatives that are not merely sporting events, but vibrant expressions of values, participation, and an outward-looking spirit. The contribution of all those involved has been instrumental in establishing the event as a stable, reliable and internationally recognised “gateway” for thousands of runners to Attica.
As the first half marathon historically organised in Athens, the Poseidon Athens Half Marathon continues to promote mass participation in sport and active citizen engagement. At the same time, it showcases our coastal front in the best possible way – a unique seaside route that combines physical activity with wellbeing and the experience of the Attica landscape.
This year’s event, taking place on 26 April 2026, confirms its strong momentum. The participation of runners from dozens of countries and nationalities enhances the international profile of the Region of Attica and contributes significantly to establishing it as a leading destination for sports tourism. With careful planning and consistency, we are investing in this goal: to make Attica a reference point for the international running community.
At the same time, we recognise the important social dimension of this event. The message promoting the prevention and management of obesity and diabetes highlights sport as a key pillar of public health and social cohesion. For us, every such initiative is an investment in people and in quality of life.
We are proud to support a race that brings together people, cultures and ideals. A race in which, ultimately, everyone is a winner. Because participation, effort and the message that travels across the world are the greatest success of all.
Best of luck to all participants!
Nikos Hardalias
Governor of Attica
Αγαπητές φίλες, αγαπητοί φίλοι,
Το Παλαιό Φάληρο φοράει τα αθλητικά του και γίνεται μια μεγάλη, ανοιχτή αγκαλιά για τον Ποσειδώνιο Ημιμαραθώνιο. Δεν είναι απλώς ένας αγώνας δρόμου∙ είναι μια γιορτή συμμετοχής, υγείας και συνεργασίας, με φόντο την πανέμορφη θάλασσα που όλοι αγαπάμε.
Χαίρομαι να βλέπω αθλητές και αθλήτριες όλων των ηλικιών να στέκονται στην εκκίνηση με χαμόγελο και στόχο. Να βλέπω τους εθελοντές να δίνουν ρυθμό στη διοργάνωση, οικογένειες να ενθαρρύνουν, φίλους να χειροκροτούν. Σε κάθε βήμα χωράει ένα τεράστιο «μπράβο», μια μικρή προσωπική υπέρβαση, μια κοινή εμπειρία που μας ενώνει. Αυτή είναι άλλωστε και η αξία του αθλητισμού.
Τρέχοντας κατά μήκος της Αθηναϊκής Ριβιέρας που κοσμεί το Παλαιό Φάληρο, αυτό που θυμάσαι είναι το κύμα, ο αέρας και η συντροφιά των ανθρώπων που βρίσκονται εκεί για σένα. Η διαδρομή αποκτά ουσία, πέρα από το τι θα γράψει το χρονόμετρο.
Ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στους διοργανωτές, στους χορηγούς, στις υπηρεσίες και στις εθελοντικές ομάδες του Δήμου μας που δούλεψαν με συνέπεια για να είμαστε σήμερα εδώ. Και, πάνω απ’ όλα, ευχαριστώ όλες κι όλους εσάς που δίνετε ψυχή σε αυτό το γεγονός με τη συμμετοχή σας.
Να απολαύσετε τη διαδρομή, να εναρμονιστείτε με τον ρυθμό της θάλασσας του Παλαιού Φαλήρου, να χαρείτε τον τερματισμό σας.
Καλή επιτυχία σε όλους και ραντεβού στη γραμμή του τερματισμού!
Γιάννης Φωστηρόπουλος
Δήμαρχος Παλαιού Φαλήρου
17th Poseidonian Half Marathon on the Athenian Riviera
A grand celebration of running for everyone!
An open and inclusive event that brings together people of all nationalities, ages, and abilities through the unifying power of sport.
Movement, well-being, joy, enthusiasm, and participation at the heart of it all.
Set against the enchanting spring scenery of the Southern suburbs, and accompanied by the refreshing sea breeze at every step, a vibrant human mosaic filled with smiles and shared values sends a powerful message of optimism.
Sport unites people.
Sport is play.
Sport is joy for all!
The sporting events are enriched by social and cultural activities, with special emphasis on the charity race supporting “ALMA,” an organization for children with autism and intellectual disabilities.
The 17th Poseidonian Athens Half Marathon is more than just a race.
It is a celebration of life, fighting inactivity, stress, isolation, and loneliness.
It is an experience of freedom, connection, generosity, and enthusiasm.
Together, with pride, we celebrate this festival of sport and joy in the South!
Andreas Kondylis
Mayor of Alimos
Dear friends,
It is with great pleasure and heartfelt enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 17th International Poseidon Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, along the coastal front of Palaio Faliro, Alimos, and Kallithea, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Athenian Riviera.
The Poseidon Athens Half Marathon, the first half marathon ever held in Athens, has evolved into one of the country’s most prominent running events and a well-established international sporting platform for Attica and Greece. It serves as a key gateway for international runners, attracting participants from all five continents and significantly contributing to sports tourism and the global outreach of our region.
The race routes are officially certified by WA/AIMS, and the event is included in the international marathon and half marathon calendar, reflecting its high standards of organization, reliability, and safety, and establishing it as a recognized point of reference on the global running scene.
At its core, the Poseidon races are dedicated to raising awareness, prevention, and effective management of diabetes and obesity, two major modern health challenges with global impact. Under the motto “Run & Walk. Give value to your steps!”, and in collaboration with the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the event promotes awareness and encourages the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, highlighting exercise as a vital pillar of prevention, well-being, and quality of life.
A special place in the program is held by the Social Contribution Race, supporting the important work of the Panhellenic Association of Adapted Activities “ALMA”, the Panhellenic Painting Contest for children aged 4–14, as well as the initiative “ECO Environment. A way of life!”, which fosters environmental awareness and promotes sustainable event practices.
Our athletes, from Greece and around the world, are truly the heart and driving force of the Poseidon event. Many of you have been returning consistently over the past five years and beyond, choosing to relive this unique experience with us year after year. This enduring relationship of trust highlights that the International Poseidon is not merely a race, but a vibrant community united by a shared passion, common values, and deep respect for sport.
would like to extend my warmest thanks to all our institutional partners, sponsors, and supporters, as well as to our volunteers, whose dedication and unwavering commitment are the cornerstone of the event’s success.
I wish you all a memorable, inspiring, and safe racing experience.
We look forward to welcoming you at the starting line as valued members of the Poseidon family, to share once again a celebration of effort, joy, and genuine care for every athlete who honors us with their presence.
Yours sincerely,
Kostas Liapis
General Coordinator & Chairman of the Organizing Committee
Everyone is a Winner!
English
Ελληνικά