The ATHENS 2004 proposal to schedule the start time of the 2004 Marathon Race, which will follow the classic Marathon route, at 18.00 has been accepted by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). The ÉÁÁF had considered the possibility of the Marathon Race having a morning start, however has accepted ATHENS 2004 proposal of the event starting in the afternoon. The Women’s Olympic Marathon Race will officially take place on Sunday 22 August, whilst the Men’s Olympic Marathon Race will take place on the final day of the competition schedule, Sunday 29 August, with Panathinaiko Stadium being the finishing point.

Addressing this issue ATHENS 2004 Managing Director Spyros Capralos stressed: ‘I believe that closing the Olympic Games in 2004 with the Marathon Race being held along the classic route will lend the splendour and uniqueness expected by the Organising Committee to the Athens Games. The choice of starting time will offer thousands of spectators the opportunity to enjoy the course of one of Athletics’ most exciting events. We are pleased that IAAF is contributing to the successful organising of the 2004 Marathon Race’.

For more information please contact:

ATHOC
International Media Desk
(t) +30 1 2004 002
(f) +30 1 2004 003
(e) mediadesk@athens2004.gr