9th Olympic Day Run Greece: Thessaloniki Welcomes The Global Olympic Family This November
- by XpatAthens
- Friday, 16 October 2026
Run in Thessaloniki. Celebrate The Olympic Values. Honour Our Olympic Heritage.
Thessaloniki is once again preparing to become the centre of a global Olympic celebration, hosting the 9th Olympic Day Run Greece / Thessaloniki City Half-Marathon, described by the organisers as Greece’s only Olympic half-marathon.
On Sunday, 22 November 2026, the heart of the global Olympic family will beat in Thessaloniki. Olympians, Paralympians, members of the Olympic community and thousands of runners from Greece and abroad will gather in the city, joining together in a celebration of Olympic values.
Olympic Day, an international initiative held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and celebrated in more than 150 countries, brings millions of people together worldwide. In Thessaloniki, the event takes on a special significance, transforming the city, with its rich sporting and cultural heritage, into a meeting point for the international Olympic community.
Register for the 9th Olympic Day Run Greece and secure
FREE participation in the anniversary 10th Olympic Day Run Greece!
The 9th Olympic Day Run Greece / Thessaloniki City Half-Marathon welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, from experienced athletes to recreational runners and families. The message is simple: at Olympic Day Run, it is not only champions who run — everyone can take part.
Alongside the flagship half-marathon, the programme includes AIMS-certified 10K and 5K races, the Family & Schools Run & Fun 1.5K, offering a memorable experience for children and families, and the She Run 1.5K, a distinctive race celebrating women's empowerment, equality and the power of participation.
Featuring one of the world's most recognisable sporting symbols — the Olympic rings — the event offers runners unique routes through the historic heart of Thessaloniki and along the city's beautiful waterfront, with views towards Mount Olympus.
The city's seaside setting, contemporary urban life, history and cultural heritage create a distinctive backdrop for this international city-running event, which aims to strengthen Thessaloniki's position on the global map of sports and cultural tourism.
A wider programme of activities running from October to December will connect Olympic heritage with sport, culture and education, extending the experience beyond race day.
On Sunday, 22 November, Thessaloniki will become an open stage for the Olympic spirit. Through international participation, the power of the Olympic brand and a broader programme of activities, the city aims to strengthen its identity as “Thessaloniki Olympic City” and an “Olympic Heritage Destination”, attracting visitors seeking experiences that combine sport, culture and history.
The event is organised by the Thessaloniki Olympic Museum, the Municipalities of Thessaloniki and Kalamaria, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy, the Association of Olympians, SEGASand DIO Olympia. It is held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, with the support of Olympians, Paralympians, institutional bodies, sports clubs and local sports organisations.
Run in Thessaloniki. Experience the Olympic spirit. Become part of the global Olympic family.
Registration is open until Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Register at olympicdayrun.gr.
LIFE & CULTURE
