Young people will take part in United Europe marathon

European Union young people will take part in the "Marathon for a United Europe" being held in Greece between September 12 and 14. Participants will run from the marble stadium in Athens where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 to Marathon. They will be accommodated at a specialised camp which was used for athletes during the Olympic Games held in Athens in 2004. The event will be characterised by an ancient theatre performance, old trades, group entertainment by folklore and musical groups from Europe and art events.

Place: Upstream the Original Marathon route, starting at the Panathenaic marble Stadium in Athens and finishing at the historic Marathon Start at the Town of Marathon.
Date & Time: Sunday, September 14th, 2008, 9:00am-12:30pm
Participants: European Young Runners aged 18-25 years
2 categories: men and women
Relay of 4 (3x10 km + 1x12,195m)
Total number of participants: 216 (108 men and 108 women)

Brief description of the Race
The “Marathon Run” will be in a form of a 3 x 10,000m & 1 x 12,145m relay in two categories: men and women
The starting point for the Marathon Relay will be the Panathenaic Stadium while the finish line will be at the “start point” in the town of Marathon i.e. the athletes will run the Classical Route.in reverse
There will be three relay changeover points.
All athletes will be transferred by special coaches and guided by marshals from and to the respective changeover points
The run will be in accordance with the IAAF and AIMS regulations and provisions that apply for all official marathons.
At every 5.000m there will be a water station and at every 10,000m – at the changeover point – there will be a refreshment station as well as medical backup with a doctor and nurse in attendance.
The whole run will be supported by 100 race referees and approximately 200 volunteers
The Classical Route will be closed to cars, from 9:00am.
At the Marathon relay finish point (the official marathon start point in the town of Marathon), a full range of facilities according to IAAF and AIMS specifications (ie toilets, provision for changing, baggage handling, medical station, etc) will be at the participants disposal. In addition there will be 27 stands – each one representing one member state of the EU

Technology Support

Electronic timing – chips
Technological infrastructure (internet site, registrations through internet, communication network at the place of the race etc)
Result announcements (lists of participants, time results, updating of site, participation certificate)

Organizing the Race

Traffic arrangements
Medical services – first aid services
Security
Changeover points with refreshments and water
Stations, barriers, distance signs across the route
Photographic services
TV coverage of the race