Race Instructions - Patras Half Marathon
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Race Instructions

Below are the instructions that were sent via email to the runners of the 4th Patras Half Marathon.

The event organisers, the  S.C. Pelopas Patras  and the PELOPONNISOS newspaper welcome you to the 4th International Patras Half Marathon on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Just few days before the start of the 4th edition, we are really excited to welcome you in Patras!
We are really proud to announce that we have a new participants record, exceeding 6.000 runners participants and we would like to thank you for your impressive participation and support.

We would like to ask you to read the following important instructions carefully so that you are aware of the most important details of the race, so that you will have a great experience, and complete your race with safety, with a smile on your face, and (why not?) a new personal best!

Race details
Race kit pick up
The registration center (Race Kit pick up) will be hosted at the premises of the PELOPONNISOS newspaper at 206 Maizonos Street and Papaflessa in Patras.

It will be open according to the following days and hours:

Race Kit pick up will also be available on race day at the Start and Finish area at Georgiou A square from 7:00 exclusively for runners who have a valid registration and will present this official email (digital or in print) referring your BIB number.

Race Kit pick up * will be done strictly by showing this e-mail, where your BIB number is indicated.

*Race Kit pick-up can also be done by a third person by showing the corresponding confirmation e-mail in digital or printed form.
**If any of these are incorrect, please notify us upon receipt of your Race Kit pick up at the registration center.

If you have registered other people using the same email, inform them of the process and ask for their Race Kit pick up at the registration center using their name.

Race program
7:00    Registration office opens in George A Square
7:30    Race bag storage area opens for Half Marathon runners
8:10    Entry of the Half Marathon runners to the starting blocks
8:15    Race bag storage area closes for Half Marathon runners
8:20    Last call for Half Marathon runners to the starting blocks
8:30    Half Marathon Race Starts Block A
8:33    Half Marathon Race Starts Block B
9:30    Race bag storage area opens for 10km runners
10:20  Entry of the 10km runners to the starting blocks
10:25  Race bag storage area closes for 10km runners
10:30   Last call for 10km runners to the starting blocks
10:40  10km Race Starts Block A
10:43  10km Race Starts Block B
11:15   Race bag storage area open for 5km Race runners
11:25   Half Marathon Winners (+age groups) Award Ceremony and 10km Race Winners Award Ceremony
11:45   Entry of the 5km runners to the starting blocks
11:50   Race bag storage area closes for 5km runners
12:05   5km Race Starts Block A
12:10   5km Race Starts Block B
12:25   5km Race Winners Award Ceremony
13:10   Entry of the Kids Run A 1km runners to the starting blocks
13:15   Kids Run A 1km Start (YOB 2018 – 2020)
13:25   Entry of the Kids Run B 1km runners to the starting blocks
13:30   Kids Run B 1km Start (YOB 2016 – 2017)
13:40   Entry of the Kids Run C 1km runners to the starting blocks
13:45   Kids Run C 1km Start (YOB 2014 – 2015)
14:00   200μ. course start for Persons with disabilities
14:15   Kids Run 1km A, B & C Awards ceremony
14:30  End of 4th Patras Half Marathonevent

ATTENTION: Spring Time changes!
This Sunday, March 29th, we have the change to spring time, which means that our clocks will have to be set one hour ahead.
Please take this into account so that you arrive at the starting line on time and that no one misses the start of their race.

On the way to the Start – Race bag storage
All runners must be present at the starting area at least 60 minutes before their race start time.
On race day, there will be a Race bag storage area at the starting point at Georgiou A. Square.
All runners must use the official Race bags provided by the organization. Please don’t forget to stick on it the sticker that you will find in the envelope with your Bib number.
Public toilets will be available at the starting area.
Road traffic will be closed from 7:00 and parking spaces in the surrounding area are limited. Please organize your way to the start so that you arrive on time and have enough time for your preparation before the start of the race.

Entry to the Starting Blocks
This year, the start of the Patras Half Marathon will be aiming for something special. The Starting Blocks have been shaped in such a way as to form the Latin word P(atras), and to create a unique image with aerial photography. For this reason, we kindly ask you to support this effort by taking your place at the Starting Blocks in due time and trying to cover the entire area that will be demarcated with railings.
The Half Marathon, 10 km and 5 km Races will start from the upper side of Georgiou A Square. (see following image)
Only the Kids 1km Run races will start from the lower side of Georgiou A Square, after the main races of the program have been completed.

In the image below you can see a floor plan of Georgiou A Square with all available services/functions, as well as the Starting Blocks and the start and finish flows:

Medical Support
The organizing committee has taken all the appropriate measures for the medical support of all participants. There will be 9 medical stations along the course, mobile units and several medical teams.
In any case, all competitors participate at their own risk and kids at their guardians’ responsibility (medical certificates will not be required).
It is highly recommended that you have recently undergone medical examinations that will confirm your ability to participate in a sporting activity.

Drink stations
In the Half Marathon race, there will be water and medical support stations for runners, at nine (9) points specifically at 2.5 km – 5.6 km – 7.5 km – 9.8 km – 12 km – 14 km – 15.5 km – 17 km – 19 km. At the stations at 5.6 km, 9.8 km and 15.5 km there will also be available Oshee Hydration energy isotonic drink in glasses.
In the 10 km race, there will be water and health support stations for runners, at 4 points, specifically at 2.5 km – 4.6 km – 6.8 km – 9 km.
In the 5 km race There will be a water and health support station for runners, shortly after the halfway point, specifically at 2.9 km.
There will be portable toilets at all stations.

Kilometer markers
In the Half Marathon race there will be visible markers every kilometer.

Help us keep the city clean!
After drinking water during your race, please throw the bottle in one of the blue bins located at a reasonable distance from the water station so that we can facilitate the work of the cleaning city service and deliver the city clean, and so that the roads can be open to traffic as soon as possible.

ATTENTION: Athletes who may continue their effort beyond the specified time limit, must know that they are running or walking at their own risk.
Traffic will hand over the race course to traffic gradually, after the last runner has passed through the feed stations within the set time limit.

Finish
After finish, runners will receive their commemorative medal, natural mineral water and refreshments VIKOS as well as bananas from Dole.

Sports massage for immediate recovery after the finish
In addition, there will be a free sports massage service in a specially designed area by students of the Department of Physiotherapy of the University of Patras.

Finish Time Limit
The finish time limit for the Half Marathon race is 3 hours from Gun time. For the 10km the limit is 90 minutes and for the 5km the corresponding limit is 55 minutes.

Timing and Results

Timing
The event will be timed by MyRace using the MyLaps technology, with the Bib Tag system, where the chip is attached behind your bib number, which is one use only.
You must adjust your bib number at youur chest height (safety pins will be included in the envelope you will receive), do not cover it with any clothing and do not alter it in any way.

Timing points, for intermediate times, will be as follows:

Race Results – Live Results
You will be able to watch the race results in real time as well as be informed about the final race results BY CLICKING HERE.

Music Energy Boost!
It is well-known that music gives us rhythm and energy during our effort. Therefore, we made sure that there will be music stations with live music or DJs, creating a festive atmosphere to help you run your personal best!

Watch Your Race Live!
Live Streming will be available for your friends and family on Patras Halfmarathon  YouTube channel or on the King George Square from the giant led screen.

Participant benefits

50% discount on Achaia bus services:
Travel with a 50% discount from Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa or Lamia to Patras (as well as for your return). The ticket purchase is made through the online platform, following the instructions you will receive from the organization. If you wish to make use of the discount, please send an email to info@patrashalfmarathon.gr, so that the relevant confirmation and instructions for the procedure can be sent to you.

Free Pasta Party
Don’t miss the traditional Pasta Party on Saturday at 19:00 which this year will take place at Georgiou Square. Don’t forget to wear the wristband that you will receive while picking up your race kit. Fakalos Catering will make sure to fill us with energy for the upcoming race with delicious pasta, while the race director will present all technical details of the event  in a beautiful atmosphere with music.

Keep your memories of the race alive!
During the race, event photographers will be at various points and at the finish line to give you the opportunity to get your personal photos of the race at a special low price and keep the memories alive! The link for your personal photos will be active next to your name on the results page a few hours after the race is over, and you will be able to search for them either by your registration number, surname, and even by a selfie photo of yourself using AI technology!

We wholeheartedly wish you a good race and we are sure that with your participation, the Patras Half Marathon, will be a great success!

You can find more information about the event on the official website of the race patrashalfmarathon.gr

#fastertogether

The Organizing Committee
Patras Half Marathon