Half Marathons in Greece – March 2026

March is when spring awakens and the running season gains momentum. Temperatures are ideal, flowers bloom, and routes fill with runners who have prepared all winter. If you're looking for where to run a half marathon this spring, here are the top races taking place in Greece during March 2026.

14th Athens Half Marathon 2026

The 14th Athens Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 9, 2026 and is one of the most iconic urban races in the country. The 21.1 km route starts from Syntagma Square and passes through 40 historic monuments of Athens, including the Zappeion, Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy, and of course the Acropolis dominating the skyline.

This half marathon is particularly beloved because it combines athletics with history and culture. Every kilometer leads you to a new historic site, making the route not just an endurance test but a genuine tour of the capital's center. The course is relatively flat with some gentle inclines, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced runners chasing times.

The program also includes 5K OPAP, Family Run Piraeus Bank, and Special Olympics & People with Disabilities COSMOTE TELEKOM, making it a celebration for the entire city. If you're coming from the provinces or abroad, this race is the perfect excuse to explore Athens at a different time of year—spring brings fewer tourists, cooler weather, and a more relaxed atmosphere to the city.

Athens in March is at its best. The archaeological sites aren't crowded, the restaurants in Plaka and Monastiraki have room to breathe, and after the race you can enjoy coffee or meze without the scorching summer heat. If you stay for the weekend, central Athens offers unlimited options—from the National Archaeological Museum to the alternative neighborhoods of Psyrri and Gazi. It's a race that combines athletics with the experience of a vibrant European capital.

17th Half Marathon Kalambaka-Trikala "Thanasis Stamopoulos" 2026

The 17th Half Marathon Kalambaka-Trikala takes place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 and is one of the most scenic urban half marathons in the country. The start is in Kalambaka, at the foot of Meteora, and the route finishes in Trikala, following the Pinios River.

This race stands out for its unique route. You start with the spectacular Meteora rocks rising behind you, and run through the quiet Thessalian countryside with the river beside you. The course is relatively flat with a gentle downhill, making it ideal for a personal record or a first-time half marathon. The landscape is peaceful and natural, without the pressure of big urban races.

The program also includes 5K, 2.5K AMEA (athletes with disabilities), and 1K Kids, so if you're traveling with family or friends, everyone can participate. The race honors the memory of Thanasis Stamopoulos, a local athlete and coach, and has a strong Thessalian local character.

Kalambaka and Trikala offer a distinctive weekend. Meteora, the rocks with the suspended monasteries designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular sights in Greece. After the race, it's worth climbing up to visit the monasteries—Great Meteoron, Holy Trinity, Varlaam—each offers unique architecture and panoramic views. Kalambaka has traditional hotels and tavernas with views of the rocks. Trikala is a lively city with a beautiful central square, a river running through the center, and youthful energy thanks to the university. March brings spring to Thessaly—the plains are green, trees blossom, and the weather is ideal for exploring the countryside.

10th Volos Half Marathon 2026

The 10th Volos Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 29, 2026 and is one of the most popular half marathons in the country. The 21.1 km route starts from Volos waterfront and follows the Pagasetic Gulf coastline, offering continuous sea views and Mount Pelion rising in the background.

This race is beloved for many reasons. The route is flat and fast, ideal for personal records. The coastal location provides cooling from the sea breeze and beautiful scenery that makes every kilometer more enjoyable. The organization is impeccable—Volos has decades of experience in road races and the city's welcoming climate is evident everywhere.

The program also includes 5K City Race, 2K Family Run, and 500m Kids Run, making it ideal for families and groups. Many runners choose to stay for the entire weekend and combine the race with exploring the area.

Volos is one of the most charming cities in mainland Greece. Built on the slopes of mythical Pelion, it's the gateway to the mountain villages—Makrinitsa, Portaria, Tsagarada, Zagora—each with stone houses, squares with plane trees, and breathtaking views. Pelion itself is known as the "mountain of the Centaurs" in Greek mythology and offers forests of chestnuts and oaks, lush vegetation descending to small Aegean beaches, and hiking trails. The tsipouro tavernas of Volos are legendary—after the race, the waterfront square fills with runners celebrating with meze and local tsipouro. March brings spring to Pelion, with blooming almond trees and fresh air that makes both running and mountain exploration an absolute delight.

4th Patras Half Marathon 2026

The 4th Patras Half Marathon also takes place on Sunday, March 29, 2026 and is a relatively new race quickly gaining popularity. The 21.1 km route starts and finishes at the Patras waterfront, following the Corinthian Gulf coastline with views toward Rio-Antirrio and the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge.

The course is flat and fast, ideal for those chasing personal records or running a half marathon for the first time. The coastal location offers beautiful scenery and the feeling of a "major" race in a city awakening athletically in the last decade. The program includes 10K, 5K, and 1K Kids (three series), providing options for all levels.

Patras, Greece's third-largest city, combines urban character with rich history. The Roman Odeon dominates the upper town center, while Old Patras maintains the authentic atmosphere of narrow streets and traditional cafes. The city is famous for its Carnival, the largest in Greece, which usually takes place in early March—if it coincides with the race weekend, the city will be full of energy and celebration. The Rio-Antirrio bridge, one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges, connects the Peloponnese with mainland Greece and is impressive up close. After the race, the Patras waterfront is full of cafes and tavernas, and the city has vibrant nightlife thanks to the university. If you have time, the area offers easy day trips—Kalavryta with the mountain train, ancient Olympia and Delphi, and the coastal villages of Achaea.

Plan Your March Half Marathons

• Check each event page for registration details, start times, and route information.
• If you're traveling, book accommodation early—March is a popular month for running.
• Weather in March is usually ideal—cool mornings (10-15°C) and mild days.
• Watch for new announcements about additional half marathons added to the calendar.

Whatever you choose, March in Greece is magical for running—spring awakens, the routes are beautiful, and the sense of accomplishment is even sweeter when you celebrate it in one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean. Happy running! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️