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Kremena Koutsoukou

“The Athens Marathon will be as fascinating as last year’s with more than 10 600 participants from all around the world,” promised Christos Palakis, the Greek Sport Clubs Union manager. The program of the 27^th classical marathon, starting today, was introduced at a press conference in Zapio Palace. The number of women that signed-up for participation this year is higher than any year before, predicting even higher interest and hopes for a record with the ladies.

Besides the core-contest, the Classical Marathon’s agenda includes numbers of other activities. A night of celebration under the name “Peace, democracy, sport” took place in the Athens Music Hall on Friday, organized by the Greek Sport Clubs Union in the memory of the peace and democracy struggler Grigoris Lambrakis- the person turning the marathon into an international symbol of world peace. A documentary on the life of Lambrakis will be shown. Present at the event will be the Greek head of state Karolos Papoulias.

The president was present at the Saturday’s official opening ceremony, which took place in Marathon village at 11 AM where the marathon fire was lit.

The classical marathon starts today at 9 AM. The contestants in the fast walking competition are starting two hours earlier. The program includes also race in 5 and 10 kilometers starting 9:30 AM. Smaller competitions will also take place for children and sportsman and women with mental derangements (Special Olympics). Skai TV is airing a varied program with live broadcasts and in-studio discussions.

The Greek Sport Clubs Union is organizing the ATHENS CLASSIC MARATHON EXPO with subjects in sport, tourism and health. Visitors can look at the newest sports equipments, accessories, gymnastics devices, biological products, etc. the exhibition is located at Zapio Palace and will last for two days- November 6 and 7, from 09:00 to 20:00.