Greek runner Christoforos Merousis claimed the 33rd Athens Marathon – The Authentic – last Sunday, finishing with a time of two hours, 21 minutes and 22 seconds, five minutes in front of second- and third-placed Dimitris Theodorakakos and Dimosthenis Evangelidis respectively.

The 42-kilometre run takes place from the coastal town of Marathon to the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens and was contested by 14,728 runners, with a strong Greek field the result of the Hellenic Sports Federation (SEGAS) excluding professional athletes from competing because of financial constraints.

Merousis was 11 minutes off the record, held by Kenyan runner Fleix Kipchirchir Kandie since 2014.

The women’s draw was taken out by Japanese runner Minori Hayakari in two hours, 52 minutes and six seconds, in front of Greeks Ourania Rempouli and Magda Gazea.

In total, a record 43,000 participants partook in all events throughout the day, which included shorter form races, five and 10 kilometre disciplines.

Greeks featured prominently in the other disciplines, with Costas Gelaouzos taking out the 10-kilometre race, ahead of compatriot Christos Boudoulos, while Anastasia Karakatsani took out the female 10-kilometre race.