International Marathon Alexander The Great
Thessaloniki, Greece · Sunday 6 April 2025
This race works well for runners who want a trail marathon without the commitment to serious mountain training. The flat to gently rolling terrain suits someone looking to chase a decent time while still getting the feel of off-road running, and the modest elevation gain means you won't need to spend months building hill strength. It's equally suited to experienced trail runners who want a softer effort than a high-altitude or technically demanding race. The April timing in Greece also appeals to those seeking good spring weather without the summer heat that can turn Mediterranean racing into a suffering fest. What you'll actually encounter is a trail course that keeps things relatively consistent underfoot, which is both its appeal and its limitation. The gentle rolling means you're never truly flat but never truly climbing either, so mentally it can feel repetitive if you're expecting either a steady descent or a clear challenge to overcome. Trail surface variability is guaranteed since this runs through the Thessaloniki region, so you should expect potentially loose or rutted sections depending on recent weather, which adds a small technical element that road marathoners often underestimate. The elevation range from sea level to just above 50 metres is genuinely modest, but don't mistake that for an easy day. Trail running demands more muscular effort than road running at any elevation, so your legs will feel it even if the gradient won't show up dramatically on an elevation profile. You'll need proper trail shoes and the ability to focus on foot placement for the full distance, which separates this from a casual spring run.
Difficulty Calculator
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Adjusted Time
4:33:22
Time difference: +33.4 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain81m
Elevation High51m
Elevation Low3m
International Marathon Alexander The Great 2025 Course Analysis
International Marathon Alexander The Great is a full marathon held in Thessaloniki, Greece, scheduled for Sunday 6 April 2025. The course is run on trail surface with 81m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 51m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official International Marathon Alexander The Great website.
Elevation Profile
This is a very flat course with only 81m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 3m to 51m above sea level — a 48m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Surface Type: Trail
International Marathon Alexander The Great is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
How Difficult Is International Marathon Alexander The Great?
Our difficulty rating for International Marathon Alexander The Great is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare International Marathon Alexander The Great against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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