On the occasion of the 2019 Athens Marathon, the Hellenic Athletics Federation introduced a medal series with unique historic, cultural and artistic value. The first medal of that series, dedicated to the history and evolution of the Marathon movement, was offered to the participants in last year’s Athens Marathon event that was held on November 9^th & 10^th, 2019.

That first medal, already in the possession of the 2019 Athens Marathon participants, is signed by Alekos Fasianos, the world famous Greek artist, who has managed to depict the Marathon Battle (490BC) on the back side of the medal. One of the eight letters of the word “MARATHON” is highlighted on the medal each year, so that the entire word is formed by the end of this series.

Normally, the medal of the 2020 Athens Marathon would be dedicated to the “Imerodromos”, the soldier that carried the message of victory from the battle field to Athens, and it would have the signature of another world known Greek artist, Kostas Varotsos.

However, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Athens Marathon will not take place. Following a recent decision of the Organizing Committee, a virtual event will be held at its place, from November 8^th to 22^nd.

Those to participate in the 2020 Virtual Athens Marathon will receive in their race kit a different, also special medal, exclusively produced for this virtual event. On the other hand, the 2^nd medal of the above Athens Marathon medal series will be offered to the participants of the 2021 event.