Most major cities have an annual marathon, but Athens hosts the original. Commemorating the famous run of the soldier Pheidippides in 490BC, the 42-kilometre (26.2-mile) race begins in the town of Marathon itself and ends up at the Panathenaic Stadium.For those unsure about whether they can last the whole 42 kilometres of the main race, there are also 10km and 5km road races. Participants must be 18 or older to compete.
more from sports »