The blog urban travel tales since its start in May 2012 aims at reminding the wealth of Cultural Heritage and the urgent need to take action for the protection of the environment. The blog has been awarded 3 times by blogger groups. The posts uploaded are my original texts that appear here for the first time, thoroughly researched, edited or experienced.  My approach is that of a traveler’s, not a tourist’s. The photos are all my own, unless otherwise stated with reference to the source. Any republishing or reproduction of the content is covered by the copyright. Enjoy your visit!

The city of Athens celebrates today. More than 30.000 runners participate. The community responds, greets the runners warmly, cheers them with bravos and applause. The sun is warm, the sky is blue. The strongest scenes I witness resist to be photographed or to be put into words.

I did not photograph the runners as they were praying to their gods. Or the man who kept running barefoot, in pain yet determined to reach and cross the termination line at the historic Kallimarmaron Stadium.
It is impossible to guess the multitude of reasons and causes or the process and the preparation that brought each one of the runners to participate in the Marathon from different countries and walks of life. 

After they terminated I saw the comforting tears of runners embracing their children, hugging their mothers and partners.
Some co-runners were massaging the legs of one another. 

There were runners chatting lively in groups outside the Stadium. And others walking alone. Overall there was an atmosphere of belonging, of being part of a festivity, of a legacy today.
The Athens Classic Marathon stands as a metaphor that brings the best out of everyone, the best of character and the best we have in our hearts. The best of the individual and the best of the community. At least for one day no one is a stranger in the city. 

official site for Athens Classic Marathon:
http://goo.gl/3v6Z7m    

2013 © Copyright. All rights reserved