Promo boost for ignored marathon
Athens Marathon organizers conceded yesterday that the race has been eclipsed by the world’s major events and announced a series of promotional measures to make the course better known. Ahead of Sunday’s event, marathon organizers from international races will meet at a conference, a sporting trade fair will be held this weekend and schools along the classic route will join in spectator events during the race itself. «We have a long way to go, but runners are becoming convinced that the race is now being organized in a serious way,» said Greek National Athletics Federation President Vassilis Sevastis. The Greek race is held on the same day each year as the New York Marathon. Last year, a record 38,368 runners started in New York, compared to 3,090 in Athens. About 4,100 marathon runners are registered for Sunday. (AP)