Marathon Flame: Illuminating the world, ever since 2007

It was on November 3rd, 2007, when the Marathon Flame was lit for the first time in the sanctuary of the Marathon Tomb. It concerned an idea of the former mayor of Marathon, Spiros Zagaris (former track and field athlete and one of the most enthousiastic supporters of the World Marathon Movement) who, in his effort to unveil the splendor of his birthplace, Marathon, established the significance of a flame that symbolizes the ideals of peace and hope and convey them to every corner of the earth.

The first ceremonial flame lighting was held on the eve of the Athens Classic Marathon, by the leading female marathon runner Rosa Mota and the grandson of the Greek Olympic champion of 1896, Spiros Louis, who became the first torchbearers who lit the flame in the altar, at the starting point of the Classic Marathon Run.

The flame is kept in a specially formed place in the Marathon Run Museum, and every year it travels all around the world to the major Marathon Runs where it is greeted with ceremonies similar to the Olympic flame reception ceremonies.

It began its travels in Europe and the United States, but by now, it has illuminated other countries like China, India and Ecuador. The journey has just begun ...

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE CEREMONIAL TORCH LIGHTING AT THE MARATHON TOMB AND THE CONVEY AT THE ALTAR OF THE CLASSIC MARATHON'S STARTING POINT