First time I did this race there was some just over 3000 finishes, this time over 5 times that.

I have seen it grow to the race is today, many for the main issues the people had have ironed out.

People would say about the lack of anything on the route towards town.

They now have a kids race in the towns along the route, which get the locals out to support their own family, then as it as the same time they stay around for the Marathon runners to come by, this make an amaing change to the suport you got  going up route.

From having 10 people per town you now get 100's it really makes a diffrence to the race, and the people in Athens grow and grow every year.

Whoever came up with the town kids race is genius.. 

I would say the start line is at capicty now.  if they push is much more I feel it would be too much.

However taking the sporting oath at the start of the location of the first marathon is a great moment.

The route is the route, it is the classic route, it is tough, I have dreams of kicking on from the 31 km point, but everytime the hills have taken it's toll and I plod home. ( One day )

The finsh, the last 1km is the best finsh in Marathon running.  Will make your eyes water eveytime. :) 

The price for the baisic entry is worth every Euro. add in the optional extras it add up..

The Expo is out the way, but I only feel that because it used to be right in the middles of Athens.  and miles away from my living place over there and due to the race size old location would not be able to cope.

If you have a car, park it a few KM's down the beach road and run to the expo along the sea ( the expo parking an be a bit.... "Greek" )

As usual I will say I will give it a miss next year..... then again I know what im like with this race. :)