Marathons in Greece in March 2026

March is the perfect month for a marathon. The weather is cool without the scorching summer heat, nature is waking up, and your legs feel light after a solid winter training cycle. If you're looking for where to run your 42.195 km this spring, here are the marathons taking place in Greece and Cyprus in March 2026.

TUI Cyprus Marathon - Pafos

The TUI Cyprus Marathon in Pafos takes place on March 7, 2026 and is an excellent choice to kick off your season. The route starts at Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou), the legendary birthplace of the goddess, and finishes at the Pafos Medieval Fort Square.

The big advantage of this marathon is that it's almost flat, with only 220 meters of elevation gain. The coastal route along the Mediterranean provides a refreshing sea breeze and panoramic views. If you're chasing a time or want to set a personal record, this course helps you maintain a steady pace without hills that "break" your legs.

Pafos is one of Cyprus's most historic cities, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its archaeological treasures. Beyond Aphrodite's Rock, the city is home to ancient mosaics at the House of Dionysus, Roman villas, the Tombs of the Kings, and a compact medieval harbor. March brings wildflowers across the coastal landscape and mild temperatures perfect for exploring after the race. The waterfront promenade is lined with seafood tavernas, and the old town (Ktima) sits on a hill overlooking the harbor. If you extend your stay, the Akamas Peninsula to the north offers dramatic coastline and the Baths of Aphrodite, while the Troodos Mountains are close enough for a day trip to mountain villages and Byzantine monasteries.

XM Marathon Race - Limassol

The XM Marathon Race takes place in Limassol on March 21-22, 2026. It's an AIMS-certified marathon with a flat, fast course that follows the Mediterranean coastline. The start is at Molos promenade, in the heart of Limassol, and the route takes runners eastward toward the ancient royal city of Amathus before returning to the finish line on 28th October Avenue.

The race profile is impressively flat—just 18 meters of peak elevation. This means it's ideal for personal records. The straight 21 km coastal stretch in each direction makes navigation simple and pacing predictable.

Limassol is Cyprus's second-largest city and its main port, with a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city's history stretches back millennia—the ancient city of Amathus, which runners pass during the marathon, was one of the island's original city-kingdoms. The Molos promenade where the race starts has been transformed into a modern waterfront park with cafes and sculpture installations. Limassol's old town features narrow streets, the medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and a lively market area. The city is known for its wine culture (the Commandaria wine region is nearby), excellent meze restaurants, and a thriving cultural scene. March also marks the run-up to the Limassol Carnival, adding extra energy to the city's atmosphere.

Epirus Marathon "King Pyrrhus" - Arta

The Epirus Marathon "King Pyrrhus" is a brand new race making its debut on March 29, 2026 in Arta. Organized by My SportEvent, it offers World Athletics-certified courses for 42.195 km, 10 km, and 5 km.

The start and finish are at the statue of King Pyrrhus in Platia Kilkis. The route follows the Arachthos River and passes the historic sites of the ancient city of Ambracia. For those unfamiliar, Pyrrhus transferred his kingdom's capital to Ambracia (modern Arta) in 295 BC, and the race honors this historical legacy.

Arta sits in the heart of Epirus, a region known for dramatic mountain landscapes and deep historical roots. The Bridge of Arta is famous not just for its architecture but for the folk ballad about its construction—one of the most well-known songs in Greek tradition. The Arachthos River that the marathon follows is fast-flowing and scenic, especially in spring when the surrounding hills are green. Ancient Ambracia was a major city in classical times, and archaeological remains are still visible throughout the modern town. Epirus in March is particularly beautiful—the region receives more rainfall than most of Greece, so the landscape is lush with plane trees, wildflowers, and rushing streams. Arta is also a gateway to the Pindus Mountains, the Tzoumerka villages, and some of Greece's most unspoiled natural areas. It's a quieter, more traditional side of Greece, far from the tourist crowds.

Nafplio Marathon

The Nafplio Marathon also takes place on March 29, 2026 and is one of the most beautiful marathon routes in Greece. The start is beneath the Palamidi fortress, one of the country's most impressive castles, in the most beautiful town in Greece.

The big advantage of the route? 100% flat. It's certified by SEGAS & AIMS and offers ideal conditions for personal records. The 5km starts overlooking the iconic Bourtzi, then passes through Nafplio's historic center.

Nafplio served as Greece's first capital from 1829 to 1834, and that heritage is visible everywhere: Venetian fortresses, Ottoman fountains, neoclassical mansions, and a compact old town built on layers of history. The Palamidi fortress has 999 steps (or you can drive), and the view from the top stretches across the Argolic Gulf. Bourtzi, the small fortress on an islet in the harbor, is one of Greece's most photographed landmarks. The old town is filled with boutique hotels, traditional bakeries making local sweets, and tavernas specializing in Peloponnesian cuisine. March is ideal for visiting—the town is less crowded than summer, the surrounding orange groves are fragrant, and day trips to Epidaurus (ancient theater), Mycenae (Bronze Age citadel), and Tiryns (cyclopean walls) are all within 30 minutes. Nafplio combines a marathon-worthy course with a genuinely memorable destination.

Choosing Your March Marathon

Each of these marathons offers something different. Pafos and Limassol provide flat, fast courses on an island with excellent spring weather and rich archaeological sites. Arta brings you to mainland Greece's quieter, greener side with a brand-new race honoring ancient history. Nafplio combines one of Greece's most beautiful towns with a certified flat course ideal for fast times.

Check each race page for registration details, start times, and course information. March conditions in Greece and Cyprus are generally favorable for marathon running—cool mornings, manageable afternoons, and scenery that makes every kilometer more interesting.