8th Olympic Day Run

OLYMPIC DAY UNITES TWO PREMIER RACES IN THESSALONIKI

The heart of the global Olympic movement beats loudly once again this year in Thessaloniki! The 8th “Olympic Day Run” Greece – the only Olympic Road Race in the country – and the 1st Thessaloniki City Marathon – the first city marathon in Greece – come together in a pioneering event that transforms the city into the athletic and cultural capital of the year!!

On Sunday, November 23rd, the Olympic Day Run Greece, the race with the most recognizable brand name worldwide – that of the Olympic Rings – returns dynamically for the 8th consecutive year with races of Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1.5K (on certified routes by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), giving the starting signal for the celebration of Olympic Day 2025. Olympians, Paralympians, members of the Olympic family, and thousands of runners from around the world embrace our vision and join forces in the name of a global institution held under the auspices of the IOC in more than 150 countries, with the participation of 5.5 million runners annually!

Driven by the vision of the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, and with the warm support and collaboration of the Mayor of Kalamaria, Chrysa Arapoglou, the ultimate Olympic experience this year culminates with the 1st City Marathon – a global institution hosted in Greece for the first time! The Thessaloniki City Marathon debuts, strengthening Thessaloniki’s identity as an Olympic City and highlighting it as an international destination distinguished by its course, identity, and atmosphere. Taking advantage of Thessaloniki’s unique geomorphology, the coastal axis will be transformed into a grand celebration – from the heart of the city to Kalamaria – against the backdrop of its iconic landmarks.

The “Olympic Day Run” and the “Thessaloniki City Marathon” co-create an event of international scope, grounded in Olympic Values and aimed at boosting the city’s outward-looking profile and developing its tourism brand. With parallel cultural and educational activities extending throughout the city, Thessaloniki is preparing to welcome visitors and participants from all over the world in a multifaceted celebration that will leave a lasting impact, turning the global spotlight on Greece – the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

The event is organized by the Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki, the Municipalities of Thessaloniki and Kalamaria, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy, the Hellenic Olympians Association, SEGAS, and the NGO OLYMPiA, and is held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, with the support of Olympians, Paralympians, institutional bodies, as well as all the city’s sports clubs and athletic organizations.