Some 104 athletes from 28 countries will participate in the 11th Olympus Marathon, an international mountain running event that will be held at Olympus Mountain on June 29.

Olympus Marathon is held annually on Mount Olympus, the world famous Greek mythical Mountain of Gods. The route revives the pilgrimage of ancient Greeks on Mount Olympus, where they ascended every year to honour and sacrifice to Zeus.

The race will kick off at the remains of the sacred city of Dion, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, at sunrise, on the last Sunday of June (June 29). 

Olympus mountain, apart from being a National Park, is listed as a World Natural Heritage Monument by UNESCO. The athletes reach up to 2800m, just below Zeus’ throne, one of the highest and steepest peaks of the mountain. The race, covering approximately 44km, is completed at Litochoro town, the most important resort of the region, situated at 300m above sea level.

Racing in the Mountain of Gods offers to athletes the unique opportunity to take part in one of the main races of its kind throughout the world. The track of the route crosses the eastern side of the mountain and the view the athletes enjoy at its highest parts, is truly breathtaking.