Official date and race-specific planning
The organizer's 21st-edition proclamation confirms April 4, 2027. The marathon starts at 07:30 in Pella and finishes on Thessaloniki's waterfront by the Alexander the Great statue.
This is a point-to-point journey. Save the Pella start and Thessaloniki finish separately, and check the current runner-transport booking and departure rules before choosing accommodation.
Shorter events in Thessaloniki have their own starts. Match the full-marathon distance on your bib and route file rather than following another event's assembly instructions.
Read the official event information. Reviewed October 14, 2026.
Course + conditions (what should change in training)
- Surface: Road.
- Course difficulty: flat.
- Climate context: Avg highs ~ 20°C, lows ~ 9°C • Avg monthly precip ~ 55 mm • Avg wet days ~ 11 days.
Course pacing signals (what to rehearse)
- Road surface: rehearse steady rhythm and fueling at goal effort (not just easy pace).
- Flat profile: practice restraint early; avoid surges and “free speed” that spikes effort.
- Crowds/wind rule: treat headwinds and congestion as “hills” and stay effort-controlled.
Climate-specific adaptations (gear + fueling)
- Rain/wet roads: prioritize anti-chafe, socks, and traction; avoid brand-new shoes.
- Fueling rule: practice carbs early and on schedule; do not “wait until you feel it.”
