There is something about standing around a town called Marathon, when you are about to start a marathon.  With it's stadium start and finish and a "bit" of history in the middle what is not to like?

Well apart from the Expo, "it used to be in right in the middle of the city but with the higher number of runners these days, I guess the new out of town Location is better business sence if nothing else."

A slight irritation, but nothing major.

Like a good battle which the Marathon represents you will be up early doors for this...none of this start and finish in the same location nonsense here, you have history to follow, foot steeps to follow... And a bus to catch.  They give you 4 - 5 pickup points. Plenty of coaches and off you go. 6am sound good?

Try and ignore the ups and downs on the journey to the start. Hey even try and pretend this ain't the same road you will be running back up if it makes you feel better.  :)

The route.. OK it will not win awards for eye catching views.  But you can tag yourself in marathon on social media before the start.

A trip around the Tomb of the Marathon battle then a road that leads to Athens... Surprisingly called Marathon Avenue. :)

Once again ignore the ups and enjoy the few downs.  Save a little something for the final hill at mile 20 then enjoy the mostly last 10km into the city, crowds building as you go.

Do not expect a trip around the town.. The distance is the distance afterall, Philipedies did not go for a jolly around town before he delivered his "Nike" short speech.

But what you do get is the Original Modern Oylmpic stadium. It jumps out at you at the end, it really is a wow moment. You will forget the inclines at this moment.

You are not a true Marathon runner till you have done it... 4th time in 2017? Probably.

See you there.