Posted: July 2, 2007

Athletics: AIMS Marathon Symposium In Marathon Town, Greece

Following a proposal by the Athens Classic Marathon Organizing Committee, AIMS, IAAF, Marathon Town and SEGAS (the Greek National Athletics Federation) have agreed on the establishment of an international AIMS Marathon Symposium to be held annually, at the venue of the historic start of the Athens Classic Marathon, the day before the annual Classic Marathon race held on the original Marathon course. A Memorandum of Understanding has been already agreed by all constituencies in order to promote the AIMS Marathon Symposium, which for 2007 will be held on November 3rd, under the topic: “Classic Marathon: Past, Present and Future”. The aim of this new annual international event – the AIMS Marathon Symposium - is to encourage close co-operation and exchange of views on issues of mutual interest which will assist organisers in their constant efforts to improve their races. The organisation of an annual Symposium at the birthplace of the Marathon also raises significant symbolism related to World Peace, Olympic Ideals and Fair Play. The Symposium would last 4-6 hours and be addressed to current and future Marathon organisers and other interested parties. Four keynote speakers will be invited to address the annual theme, participating in round table presentations organized in two consecutive sessions. Invitees will include AIMS and IAAF officers and representatives, race directors or their representatives from around the world, renowned former or still-active marathon runners, marathon cities’ representatives, academic and sport institutions-clubs and media representatives. The organisers of the Symposium offer hospitality to attendees within the above categories (one person per Marathon race) which would include lodging (full board accommodation and local transportation), in Marathon Town. The seminar organisers will consider applications from AIMS member races and other race organisers. By the end of July, the organisers will send out all information necessary concerning the registration procedure which will be able to take place through the Athens Classic Marathon web site (www.athensclassicmarathon.gr). Information about the Symposium will also be posted on the websites of AIMS (www.aimsworldrunning.org), IAAF (IAAF.org), Marathon Town (www.marathon.gr) and SEGAS (www.segas.gr). The 5-member Organizing Committee of the 1st AIMS Marathon Symposium is consisted of: Mr. Horst Milde (AIMS Executive Board) as Chairman, and Mr. Sean Wallace-Jones (IAAF Road Running Coordination), Mr. Spyros Zagaris (Mayor of Marathon), Mr. Vasilis Sevastis (President of SEGAS) and Mr. Kostas Panagopoulos (President of Athens Classic Marathon) as members. For further information please contact Horst Milde, phone: + 49 30 7201 4325 or e-mail: horst.milde@berlin-marathon.com. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest