From November 3 to November 10, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) inaugurates its institutional collaboration with the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), which was announced during a press conference held on October 11 at the SNFCC Lighthouse. A series of activities are planned: athletic programs and training sessions, guided tours, talks, school programs, and pop-up surprises to frame the week of the 41st Athens Authentic Marathon.
“Our goal is to activate our facilities with specially designed activities, to welcome the Athens Marathon community, and to convey its message to young and old, to the city’s residents and visitors alike. Once again, SNFCC, a modern landmark of the capital, becomes an active platform for citizen participation in the great moments of our country,” said SNFCC CEO Elli Andriopoulou. She added, “At SNFCC, we are fortunate to showcase a significant historical artifact, the Silver Cup designed by Michel Bréal and awarded to the first Marathon winner, the Greek Spyridon Louis, at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The cup was acquired at an international auction by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which committed to making it accessible to the general public by displaying it permanently at SNFCC. This allows us to share its story with visitors from around the world throughout the year.”
The week’s events from November 3 to 10 are free of charge, thanks to a donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The detailed schedule is as follows:
Guided Tours of Spyridon Louis’ Cup
Monday, November 4 to Sunday, November 10
Central Reception SNFCC
Free admission with online registration here.
The Silver Cup designed by Michel Bréal for the first Marathon winner, Greek Spyridon Louis, awarded in 1896 during the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, is permanently displayed at SNFCC after being acquired by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) to make it accessible to the general public.
Learn more about the first Marathon race and the historical significance of the cup through a free guided tour at SNFCC.
Preparing for the Marathon: Run, Stretch & Prep!
Sunday, November 3, 09:00 – 11:00
Great Lawn, Stavros Niarchos Park
Free participation with online registration here.
Join a morning running workout with the SNFCC Running Team! The training will include stretching exercises and advice for participating in one of the three routes of the Athens Marathon (5, 10, or 42 kilometers). After the workout, a Yoga Run Stretching session and a picnic will follow at the Great Lawn.
SNFCC Running Team
Tuesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 7, 19:30 – 21:00
Track
Free participation on a first-come, first-served basis.
As part of the 41st Athens Marathon, the SNFCC Running Team program will be enhanced to cater to the needs of athletes preparing for the race. Specifically, on Tuesday, November 5, and Thursday, November 7, the training sessions will include a rich stretching routine aimed at effective recovery. These sessions will also be offered in English.
Discussion: “Everything About the Marathon”
Thursday, November 7, 19:00 – 20:30
Book Tower
Free admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
In celebration of the Athens Authentic Marathon, the Sports Excellence Department of the 1st Orthopedic Surgery Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with SNFCC and under the auspices of SEGAS, presents a discussion titled “Everything About the Marathon” on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Book Tower of SNFCC.
The aim of the discussion is to inform coaches and long-distance runners about the modern scientific approach to high performance. Topics such as performance, injury prevention, and physical and mental preparation for long-distance racing will be discussed in detail. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a productive dialogue with leading scientists and athletes.
Interpretation in Greek Sign Language will be available.
Details of the discussion program and speakers here.
School Programs
During the week of November 3 to 10, SNFCC’s school programs will host a “Marathon… at SNFCC!” Students will discover the history of the Marathon and learn about Spyridon Louis’ Cup through a fun journey filled with messages, historical facts, riddles, and fun facts about SNFCC. More information here.
For more details about the events happening during the week of November 3-10 in honor of the Athens Marathon, visit the SNFCC website at snfcc.org and follow SNFCC on social media @SNFCC.
