Paul's Blog your host
for the Athens Marathon
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Additional Race support
All of our packages include additional race support which includes; race entry fee and processing, race number and goodie bag distribution at our hotel, our own sweep vehicles, our own support station at the half, additional snacks and refreshments at the half and the finish, runner tracking from the start to the finish and a personal photograph outside the stadium.
CHOOSE FROM
THESE TOUR
PACKAGES:
 If you want to truly experience the magic and antiquity of Greece
and the Marathon, this is the choice for you. You'll be headquartered
in the Aegean resort community of Vouliagmeni. Daily runs and clinics
with Jeff Galloway. Lots of sightseeing, guided tours and Apostolos'
superb runner support at the Marathon. |
 A shorter version of the above, for those who have limited time. |
 We realize that some runners prefer to be more independent and would like to create their own travel program. With that in mind, we have created a minimal support package for your first 4 days/3 nights in Athens. You can then add to it to design your own special vacation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Marathon...
- Who organizes the Athens Marathon?
- How do I enter?
- When and where will the Athens Marathon be held?
- How do I qualify?
- What is the course like?
- What are the records for the course?
- How do I get there?
The Tour...
- What are the dates of the Tour? How long is it?
- What do I get?
- When can I sign up?
- I'd like to stay longer in Greece
- My wife isn't a runner. What is there for her to do?
- Can I bring my kids?
Traveling in Greece...
- Will my electric shaver work in Greece?
- What is the climate like?
- Is it safe to Travel in Greece?
- What about photographs?
- What should I pack?
- What about currency?
- How do I exchange money?
- How do I get around?
- How can I avoid jet lag?
THE MARATHON...
Who organizes the Athens Marathon?
The Athens Marathon is organized by SEGAS (hellenic amateur athletic association). The Athens Marathon is
recognized by the Boston Marathon Association. (Back to
FAQ list)
How do I enter?
Entry forms for 2008 will be distributed by SEGAS (hellenic amateur athletic association) in April. As a participant in the 2008 Marathon Tour, your entry paperwork will automatically be taken care of for you by Apostolos Greek Tours, Inc. If you choose not to participate in a tour package, you can process your own Marathon entry. Here is more information.
When and where will the 2008 Athens Marathon be held?
The Athens Marathon will be held this year on November 9, 2008. Starting time is 9:00 AM. The Starting place is the battlefield of Marathon in the town of Marathon. The finish line is in Olympic Stadium in Athens. The start for those who wish to walk (power walking) the course will be given at 07:00am sharp.
How to I qualify?
There is no qualification for participation. The course is open for 6 hours. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
What is the course like?
The course is asphalt. The first third is flat. The middle third is hilly. The last third is downhill. Water stations are provided every 5 kilometers. Distance markers are provided every 5 kilometers.
What are the records for the course?
- Male: Paul Tergat (Berlin). 2:04:55 in 2003.
- Female: Paula Radcliffe (London). 2:15:25 in 2003
How do I get there?
Apostolos Greek Tours can and does make all necessary arrangements for runners. These include hotel arrangements, transportation to and from the airport and the Marathon itself, official entry paperwork, sight-seeing in Greece etc.
THE TOUR....
What are the dates of the 2008 Tour?
How long is it?
Three tour packages are available:
- The 11 day, 10 night tour. This is the
most popular option. Each day is packed with running, history, sightseeing
and fun!
- If you're on a tight schedule, we offer a 6 day, 5 night option.
The full 11 day tour is recommended if you have the time. There is so much to see and do in Greece, and the full package doesn't cost that much more.
If you would rather travel on your own, we offer a Minimal Support Package.
What do I get?
The 11 Day / 10 Night Tour includes: 11 days and 10 nights in Greece, all ground transportation, lodging at the resort Hotel Armonia, race entry fees and arrangements, most meals, sight-seeing expeditions, running clinics with Jeff Galloway, a chance to experience the world's most historic running event, and a lifetime of memories.
Check out the 11 Day / 10 Night Itinerary, the 6 Day / 5 Night Itinerary and the Minimal Support Package for complete details.
For a complete information package and booking forms, use our handy online information form today!
When can I sign up?
Sign up for your tour online, use our printable booking forms, or call, fax or email Paul Samaras at Apostolos Greek Tours, Inc. We'll rush you a complete booking package.
I'd like to stay longer in Greece.
If you'd like to stay in Greece for longer than the eleven nights of the 2007 tour, Paul Samaras and his friendly staff will be happy to assist you in making arrangements. There is no additional charge for this service.
My wife isn't a runner. What is there for her to do?
Each year many non-runners participate in the Athens Marathon Tour.
There is plenty to see and do. All runs and clinics are optional.
$100.00 off package price for non-runners
Can I bring my kids?
Your children are very welcome and we will make a special effort to see that they have a good time. Please note that the minimum age to actually enter the Athens Marathon is 18 years.
TRAVELING IN GREECE...
Will my electric shaver work in Greece?
Standard household current throughout Greece is 220 VAC. Electrical equipment should be used only with an appropriate converter.
What is the climate like?
In Athens and southern Greece during late October and November, we can expect mild 63° to 72° temperatures, 9î to 12î of rain, and about 200 hours of sunshine per month. Rain showers tend to be short. It may be cool in the evenings. A heavy coat will not be necessary. Take thinner layers of clothing which you can wear together.
Is it safe to Travel in Greece?
Greece is a reasonably safe country, with comparatively low levels of crime. Bear in mind, however, that every society has its criminals and it is therefore sensible to exercise caution, stay alert and keep valuables out of sight.
What about photographs?
Taking motion pictures and photographs in museums with a portable camera (NO FLASH) is allowed. Taking pictures with a camera mounted on a tripod is prohibited in museums. Photographing with a portable camera (NO FLASH) at archaeological sites is free. Photographing with a camera mounted on a tripod without the insertion of live subjects is allowed at archaeological sites, with the permission of the appropriate Ephorates of Antiquities and the payment of a fee.
What should I pack?
Light, casual clothing is best for sunny, mild fall days in Greece. Breathable cottons and linens are preferable to synthetics. Skirts, sleeve less dresses, slacks, long shorts and T-shirts are acceptable in any but the most formal situations. Men may want to pack a short sleeve dress shirt and sport coat for the fanciest resort restaurants. Bring a sweater, or light wind breaker for cool evenings. Most important, you will want comfortable, lace-up shoes for exploring archaeological sites, and water-resistant sandals or shoes for the beach.
What about currency?
The local unit of currency is the Euro.
(Back to FAQ list)
How to I exchange money?
Travelers checks, Eurocheques and hard currencies are freely accepted at banks, post offices and exchange bureaus. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants in larger cities. In provincial regions, their use is mostly restricted to hotels, and sometimes only the larger ones. You need not bring more than a little cash. Most purchases can be made using Visa, MasterCard or travelers checks. You can easily get cash advances on a credit card, and will get a better exchange rate if you do so.
How do I get around?
Apostolos Greek Tours takes care of all transportation arrangements for tour participants. This includes transportation to and from the airport, comfortable chartered buses to and from the Marathon, and transportation for all scheduled events and sight-seeing expeditions. Your host Paul Samaras and his skilled assistants will be on hand to help you arrange any other transportation needed.
There are taxi stands scattered throughout Athens, but more often you will end up hailing one. This can be an adventure-and not always a pleasant one. Taxis are required to pick up as many additional passengers as possible going the same direction, so the taxi driver is unlikely to pick you up unless you are going that way too. Don't give up if the rooftop light is turned off. Keep waving---one may pick you up!
Exercise caution in the matter of fares. Some taxi drivers are unscrupulous. If you are over charged---it probably won't be more than $5-10 US but the frustration is best avoided---flag down any tourist police officer and report the incident. Check the meter to see that it is registering properly. Except for out-of-town trips and the period between midnight and 5 AM, it should display a number ì1î indicating that you are not being charged double fare. If the taxi picks up other passengers, everyone will end up paying the fare on the meter up the point where he gets off. If you are last in and first out, you may try to negotiate your part of the fare. We recommend "telephone taxis,î which are dispatched like those in the United States. The rate may be slightly higher, but it is worth it.
How can I avoid jet lag?
Our biological clocks are based on a day/night cycle. These are called "circadian rhythms" because they occur about every 24 hours. When flying through more than three time zones you circadian rhythm can be thrown off-gear. Efficiency, physical comfort and thought processes can be effected. Jet lag can be minimized and your biological clock reset fairly quickly.
- The number one cause of jet lag is fatigue during the 24 hours before
the flight. Get a good night's sleep the night before we leave. Don't
stay out late with friends.
- Ironically, bad cases of jet lag are often made worse by the very
frills that airlines provide their passengers. Over-eating, over-drinking,
and lack of exercise during the flight contribute to the situation.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing on the flight. Women should
wear slacks or long dresses (not shorts or cut-offs) to prevent skin
irritation from rough seat covers; Wear comfortable shoes. Prop your
feet up whenever you get a chance to reduce swelling during long flights;
Drink lots of water and juices. Be wary of Alcoholic beverages, sugared
soda and caffeinated drinks. Alcohol and caffeine contribute heavily
to bad jet lag. The aircraft's air system draw moisture out of the air
and you. Wash your face often during the flight with a moist cloth or
napkin; Exercise during the flight. Walk around the plane once in a
while; Try to drink a glass of water or juice at least once every hour.
- Consider skipping the movie. It usually starts around 11 PM body-clock
time. Sleep or at least rest with your eyes closed instead. (Incidentally,
the last 10 minutes of the movie is a good time to use the bathroom.
There is seldom a line.)
- Set your watch to local time as soon as they announce it. It will put your mind on time, even if your body hasn't yet caught up.
VOICE:
(303) 755-2888
FAX: (303) 755-4888
