NEWS - Patras Half Marathon

Last spots for the Kids Race!

Following the increased interest in the Kids Race, 95% of the available spots have already been filled, leaving only a few places remaining.

Parents who are interested are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible, as registrations for the Kids Race are expected to close soon due to the limited number of participants.

Take part in the 4th Patras International Half Marathon and compete with your colleagues for first place in the Corporate 5 km Race!

As part of the 5 km Road Race, a Corporate Race will also take place, with participation from companies across Greece.

Companies from both the private and public sector (commercial companies, banks, gyms, educational institutions, chambers, industries, technology and telecommunications companies, etc.) are eligible to participate, with a minimum of five (5) participants per company, all over 18 years old.

For the team ranking, both the size of the team and the performance of its members will be taken into account. All team members will also receive an individual ranking in the main race.

Eligible participants include employees of each company, as well as individuals who have a professional or friendly connection with it, provided they are registered by the team manager of the respective corporate team.

Become part of the history of a great race — an international event that hosts elite athletes while welcoming everyone who loves running. 

The PATRAS HALF MARATHON opens the road for the next generation of runners!

As part of the 5 km Road Race, a Student Race will also take place, with participation from Junior High and High Schools of the wider region.

Students from Junior High and High Schools are eligible to participate, with a minimum of five (5) participants per school. The team ranking will take into account both the size of the team and the performance of its members. All team members will also receive an individual ranking in the main race.

Schools are encouraged to create their own teams and experience the joy of participating in a major international event, promoting exercise, teamwork, and fair play.

HOKA, the leading sportwear company of running shoes, that has revolutionized running, is the Race Sponsor of the Half Marathon (21.1 km) at the 4th Patras Half Marathon.

With a focus on innovation, comfort, and high performance, HOKA supports runners every step of the way, offering top-tier cushioning and stability, perfect for long distances.

Its lightweight and cutting-edge running shoes have earned their reputation in the running world, combining state-of-the-art technology with unmatched comfort.

Both the Half Marathon and the 10km and 5km races are officially approved by SEGAS and are included in the World Athletics Global Calendar, allowing results to count towards the World Ranking.

In addition, the courses are officially measured and certified according to AIMS international standards, ensuring distance accuracy and the validity of performances.

This recognition confirms that the event meets international specifications and standards set by the competent global governing bodies, both in terms of course measurement and overall organizational excellence.

Coffee Island was founded in 1999 in Patras and in its third decade of operation is the No. 1 coffee chain in Greece and the “Best Coffee Chain in Southern Europe 2022” (Allegra European Awards). The network of 487 stores extends to 50 prefectures and 114 cities in Greece as well as 55 locations abroad (Cyprus, London, Switzerland, Romania, Toronto, Egypt & Dubai) while the coffee roasting products are also available in organized retail.

With dedication to tomorrow, it continues to support and create sustainable development projects for people, society and the environment together with coffee growers, coffee roasting owners and consumers. It practically helps local communities, reduces its environmental footprint and is committed to quality and safe products.

The Patras International Half Marathon, being already an established sporting institution for the city, is evolving into a driving force for local development, highlighting the dynamic of entrepreneurship, as sponsors and supporters of this great celebration of sports and fair play.

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. With offices in 149 countries and more than 370,000 people, we are among the leading professional services networks in the world. Our 2,500 colleagues in the Greek firm are the foundation of our operations. We help organizations and individuals create the value they are looking for, by delivering quality in Assurance, Tax and Advisory services.

Staying true to the spirit of #fastertogether, the Patras Half Marathon is here to help you achieve your best possible performance on race day.

Two months ahead of the 4th Patras Half Marathon, and in collaboration with Runner Magazine—Greece’s first running magazine with over 20 years of experience—we are hosting an informational seminar dedicated to runner preparation.

The seminar will present a practical and structured approach to building an 8-week training plan, designed to help you reach peak condition for race day.

Experienced professionals in coaching, nutrition, strength training, and recovery will cover key aspects of preparation, equipping runners with the tools they need to properly plan their training and address important topics related to performance and injury prevention.

The seminar is open to everyone—from first-time race participants to experienced runners aiming for a new personal record—as well as to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of running.

Main theme:
“Build your training plan and get ready to set a new personal best!”

A Q&A session with the speakers will follow at the end of the seminar.

Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 18:00
Venue: My Way Hotel & Events, Patras
Admission: Free

To help us with event planning, please register here: https://forms.gle/HKwxbAXtAwFGM4Ex8

If you haven’t registered yet for your race, take advantage of the early bird registration and secure your spot: https://patrashalfmarathon.gr/eggrafi-agones/

The seminar is organized by the newspaper PELOPONNISSOS and AO “PELOPS” of Patras, under the auspices of the Achaia Marathon Runners Association (SMAH) “Pheidippides” and the Patras Health Runners Association.

Hospitality Sponsor: My Way Hotel & Events.

Christmas Giveaway by Patras Half Marathon

The Christmas season is a time for giving, optimism, and setting new goals. In this spirit, Patras Half Marathon is launching a special Christmas giveaway, inviting its community to take part in a festive initiative and celebrate the joy of running together.

Share your Christmas wish and enter the draw for the chance to experience the race with an enhanced participation package.

Five (5) lucky winners will each receive one free enhanced race package for the race of their choice:

  • Half Marathon

  • 10 km race

  • 5 km race

How to participate:

To take part in the giveaway, visit the dedicated giveaway post on the official @patrashalfmarathon Instagram account, where you will find all participation details and instructions on how to submit your Christmas wish.

Winners will be announced on Friday, January 2, 2026, through the official Patras Half Marathon channels.

We wish you happy holidays and a new year filled with positive energy and new running goals.

The International Patras Half Marathon returns for its 4th edition on March 29, 2026, and registrations are now officially open. The event, which has now become an established institution for the city and for Greece’s running community, promises once again a high-level athletic experience.

Patras’ major running celebration—organised by the athletics club “PELOPS” and the newspaper “Peloponnisos”, in cooperation with the Region of Western Greece—is expected to attract runners of all levels from across Greece and abroad. The event has seen impressive growth, with a 104% increase in registrations during its first three years, strengthening both its prestige and its momentum.

Participants can choose among four popular race routes:

21 km – Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 1 km for children.

All main routes are AIMS-certified, ensuring high standards for all runners.

The courses run along the coastal front and through the urban fabric of Patras, offering an easy yet impressive running experience—ideal both for experienced runners and for those participating for the first time. On the official website, you can review this year’s updated starting times and route adjustments, which were deemed necessary due to increased participation and to ensure smoother race operation.

Event services and organisation remain of a high standard, with the organising committee already working on further upgrades, enhanced safety measures, and even better runner support.

In announcing the opening of registrations, the Regional Governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, highlighted the significance of the event for the region, stating:

“Once again, the Region of Western Greece is actively present at the Patras Half Marathon—an event that has now become a true institution for the city and our wider region. We consistently support athletic events throughout Western Greece, as they promote the value of physical activity, fair play, and a healthy lifestyle—values that the Region firmly upholds. Running events, in particular, bring together thousands of people—from professional athletes to everyday citizens of all ages—sending a message of unity and cooperation.
Regarding the luminous Patras Half Marathon, it once again showcases the beauty of our city and the wider area, attracting visitors and strengthening both our local economy and sports tourism. With our steady participation, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in sports and supporting events that leave such a positive impact on our community.”

Nektarios Farmakis,
Regional Governor of Western Greece

From the side of A.O. PELOPS, President Giorgos Kaouris underlined that the opening of registrations essentially marks the beginning of preparations for another exceptional edition of the race:

“The opening of registrations for the 4th International Patras Half Marathon marks the countdown to the major event that will take place on March 29, 2026, in our city. The first three races were accompanied by great success, offering powerful emotions to all who participated while simultaneously promoting Patras, Achaia, and Western Greece across the world.
As the organising team, we commit to delivering even more surprises and even greater incentives for participants this year. The hospitality of Patras, the organisational effort, and of course the exciting route that combines the urban landscape with the waterfront are key reasons to join us. We look forward to welcoming you all!”

Giorgos Kaouris,
President of AO Pelops

The publisher of “Peloponnisos”, Theodoros Louloudis, added that the Half Marathon has now been established as one of the country’s premier athletic events, significantly contributing both to the promotion of the city and to the growth of sports tourism. He emphasised that the true strength of the race lies in the runners and citizens who support it more dynamically each year, creating a vibrant community around the event and continually elevating its status and reach. He also invited everyone to participate and experience the unique atmosphere of the Patras Half Marathon up close.

Theodoros Louloudis,
Publisher of Peloponnisos

We look forward to seeing you all at the starting line!