The two 5-kilometer races taking place in the center of Athens as part of the Authentic Marathon are currently in progress.

The races, in which thousands of runners of all ages are participating, started in the afternoon from Amalias Avenue (Syntagma) towards the Panathenaic Stadium.

The route they follow: Panepistimiou – Akadimias – Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (U-turn) – Irodou Attikou – Kallimarmaro.

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Lefteris Petrounias was present at the events for the 42nd Authentic Athens Marathon, emphasizing the great importance of sports as a means of unity and joy for people.

The Olympic gold medalist in rings spoke to Orange Press Agency about the reasons that bring him every year to the great celebration of classic sport.

“Sport is something that unites the whole world and gives people joy. The Marathon is something that has been happening for many years, and the Authentic Athens Marathon has enormous importance in the sports landscape,” he said.