The countdown to the  31st Athens Classic Marathon has begun with the Press Conference, held on September 10th, 2013 at the New Hotel, one of the  official Supporters of the Event.

The New hotel will also host the Elite athletes and the Main Media Centre, the nerve center of the entire Media Operations of the 31st ACM.

The 31st ACM is a race “full of challenges, bets and changes”, says Kostas Panagopoulos, President of the Hellenic Athletics Federation SEGAS. “In every challenge the first… 30 years are the hardest but not on this occasion. Running in general is a growing sport in Greece and we have to keep up with the new challenges. ”

The Minister of Culture, Mrs Olga Kefalogianni stated: “Marathon is a major Sport Event that unifies the legend with contemporary

history and reminds us all that the message of peace is timeless, one that unites all people and nations. It provides a unique opportunity to highlight the beauty of our country and to promote Greek culture and tourism. It is an opportunity that should not  be wasted.”

Mr. Ioannis Sgouros, Head of Attica Region, highlighted that despite the financial crisis that our country is facing, Greece continues to invest in efforts to leverage the values of this unique Event, on an international level. “Our goal is for the ACM to be established as the major cultural, historic and sport event of the classical era”.