#fastertogether: Get Ready to Set a New Personal Best at the Patras Half Marathon

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.

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!

Register now

On Saturday evening, April 5, at 7:00 PM, the heart of Patras will beat with excitement at Georgiou Square, as we kick off the Patras Half Marathon with the delicious Pasta Party by MISKO!

Standing proudly beside the Patras Half Marathon, MISKO takes care of our runners’ preparation in the tastiest way possible. Enjoy mouthwatering pasta dishes — the perfect fuel to boost your energy ahead of Sunday’s big effort — and experience an authentic carb-loading event full of flavor and fun!

As part of the evening, we will also host the official presentation of the race, where the latest details about the event will be shared.

Don’t forget to wear your entry wristband, which you’ll find inside your race kit.

We look forward to welcoming you as we officially kick off this year’s Patras Half Marathon — together!

This Sunday, all runners who finish the race, as well as spectators visiting the Organizers booth, are automatically entering the gift lottery!

Draw Timetable:
11:00 – For Half Marathon & 10K finishers and spectators who collect an entry coupon from the Organizers booth.
12:35 – For 5K finishers and spectators who collect an entry coupon from the Organizers booth.
13:25 – For Kids’ Race finishers and spectators who collect an entry coupon from the Organizers booth.

The draw will be broadcasted live on the spectators screen at Georgiou Square!

🎁Gifts for the lucky winners:

3 pairs of HOKA running shoes

iPhone 13 from DEVICE

Xiaomi 14T from ELECTRONET – PAPANDRIKOPOULOS

1 month of personalized training & physiotherapy at F-PLACE

Personal Training Program at WELLNESS (1 session/week for 5 months)

Annual gym membership at GYM TONIC

Gold Nutrition Gift Pack:

• Gold Nutrition Multivitamin
• Gold Nutrition Bottle 500ml
• Gold Nutrition Isotonic Gold Drink
• Gold Nutrition Vitamin C
• Children’s computer learning programs from FUTURE PLUS

Tuition fees for the first three months of the 2025–2026 school year by Dyslexia Friendly

Don’t miss out! Come to the square and join the draw!

The Power of the First Step: An Inspirational Story from the Patras Half Marathon

Running is not just a physical activity. It is an inner journey, a personal victory over self-doubt and the limits we set for ourselves. As part of our campaign, we invited the Patras Half Marathon runners to share their story. To tell us how they started, what motivated them to put on their sneakers and start running. We received a great number of stories sharing various experiences, but in all of them we find one common element: passion for life.

For some, running was a way to lose weight, get in better shape or overcome health problems. Others were inspired by an athlete, influenced by childhood experiences or by the need to prove to themselves and others that they could accomplish a task. Running became psychotherapy for many, a moment of freedom on the streets of a city without vehicles that welcomes them to do what they love, an escape from the problems of everyday life, a way to feel alive. Others started because they admired the runners they saw, others wanted to test their limits or make a brave turn in their life choices, leaving behind bad habits, unhealthy eating, alcohol, to turn to choices of self-respect. Others thought that it was simply the only exercise that suited them and others would not change the feeling of freedom that running gives them.

Among the many stories we received, we singled out one that speaks of the power of will, of transformation through movement. Kesariani Aslanoglou gave us a story that is a source of inspiration for all of us:

“I was not a runner. I was tired and trapped in the day to day routine. Until one day, wanting to change my habits, I put on an old pair of sneakers and went outside.

My first run was not a memorable, nor impressive experience. My legs hurt, my breathing was heavy, my body was reacting so as to stop. But somewhere there, in the middle of this run, something magical happened.

In that moment, I felt free. My thoughts stopped running faster than me, and for the first time in a long time, I only heard the sound of my heart beating.

From that day on, running became my refuge, the reminder that I am stronger than I think, that every step – no matter how small – brings me closer to a better version of myself.

That’s why I ran the first time. And that’s why I still run. Because every step is a victory!”

Kesariani Aslanoglou

This story reminds us that running is not just about miles; it’s an internal process of change. A small first step can pave the way to a new life, full of health, strength and freedom.

This story wins for its writer a free entry into the race, but most importantly it wins a special place in our hearts. In reality, everyone who shared their story is a winner. Thank you to everyone for opening up their hearts and sharing their inspiration with us. Each of them is a source of empowerment and will for those who hesitate to take the first step. Keep running, exceeding your limits and inspiring those around you.

So let’s all meet and run shoulder to shoulder at the 3rd Patras International Half Marathon on April 6th and create  a new story to cherish and share.

Race day is getting closer, and the registration deadline is approaching fast. If you want to experience the Patras Half Marathon, don’t wait until the last minute.

The deadline for the main races is March 26. The kids’ race is already full.

Choose your course and join us at the starting line!

The official technical T-shirt of the Patras Half Marathon 2025 is designed for comfort and high performance.

✅ Material: 100% polyester + 3D grid polyester
✅ Weight: 140g
✅ Features: Breathable fabric
✅ Color: Blue Navy

Wear it and run in style at the Patras Half Marathon 2025!

The 3rd Patras International Half Marathon attracts runners from all over Greece, a driving force to turn the city into a major sports’ destination. Travel safe, fast and easy by KTEL Achaias (intercity bus transportation) offering a 50% discount as a support to the venue, to those traveling to Patras from Athens, Thessaloniki, and all intermediate stops.

How to Get the Discount

To take advantage of this offer, runners must follow these steps:

• Complete their race registration.
• Purchase their KTEL ticket with a 50% discount (when booking online, enter PATRAS HALF MARATHON 2025 in the discount card number field).
• request the official race registration confirmation for KTEL from the organizers and present it (along with the ID) to the KTEL inspector upon boarding.

Offer Validity Period

The discount applies to trips to Patras from Thursday, April 3rd, to Tuesday, April 8th, covering both arrival and departure for participants.

This initiative enhances accessibility to the event and makes it easier for runners to travel and join the race.

The city of Patras is working at full speed to welcome runners for the 2025 Patras Half Marathon, with four dynamic and scenic routes that promise unique experiences and personal records.

The 21 km, 10 km and 5 km routes are certified by AIMS, thus ensuring the highest standards of organization and safety for all participants.

21 km – Half Marathon Route: Challenge for a personal record!

The Half Marathon route has been designed to offer the best conditions for runners to achieve their personal records. The flat and fast coastal route starts and finishes at the emblematic Vasileos Georgiou A’ Square, offering a unique panoramic view of the Rio-Antirio Bridge and the Gulf of Patras.

Route: Runners start from King George A’ Square , run the new picturesque pedestrian street of Maizonos, turn onto the traditional pedestrian street of Agiou Nikolaou, pass by Trion Symmachon Square and head along the seafront of the city to Kanellopoulou str. They then return to the city center, continue south to Vrachneika suburb and, contnue running along the magnificent coastal route, to the finish line at King Square A’ again.

10 km. – Speed ​​and view

The 10 km route added this year combines speed and unique views, offering a unique experience to runners looking for speed, having the blue backdrop of the Gulf of Patras.

Route: It starts from the heart of Patras, King George A’ Square, crosses the new picturesque pedestrian street of Maizonos and Agiou Nikolaou, passes Trion Symmachon Square and follows the route next to the blue sea to the Minucipal Beach “Plaz EOT”. The track returns again through Agiou Nikolaou ends in the lively center of the city: King George A’ Square.

5 km. – The fastest route

If your dream is to achieve a new personal record in 5 km, this route is your best opportunity. Fast, flat and moving along the coast is a challenge for all runners.

Route: From Georgiou Square to the new picturesque pedestrian street of Maizonos, we go down the pedestrian street of Agiou Nikolaou, we pass Trion Symmachon Square, we move along the coast towards the South Park and we reach the New Port. On the way back, always along the seafront, we go up Agiou Nikolaou Street and finish where we started: in the city center!

1 km – Children’s course

Our offspring runners have a different experience this year: they run on a circular route that allows them to enjoy running at its most.

Route: Start and finish at King George A’ Square, with a circular route for the most enjoyable experience for future running stars!