422 athletes (88%) completed the race within the 10 hour time limit, while 60 (12%) withdrew or could not meet the time requirements. Three great athletes, Sebastien Chaigneau, the Catalan Michel Rabat and the Greek Alexis Gounko left all others behind, even from the 10th kilometer and fought for victory until the last meters, finishing less 90 seconds apart. In the final standings after Chaigneau (4.47.34), Rabat finished second (4.48.21), and Gounko third (4.48.58). In the women category, Dissler΄s dominance was undeniable and she was never threatened. She finished easily first and 25th overall. Second woman was the Greek Natalia Papounidou (6.20.25), and third the Romanian Gianina Tanase (6.27.13).
Mount Olympus is the only mountain in Greece that retains snow in the early summer. OM athletes had the opportunity to cross the remaining snow fields in the highest part of the race, right below the high peaks of the mountain. Almost 300 enthusiastic volunteers supported the 7th Olympus marathon.
New regulations regarding athlete safety and fair play were applied this year. Great effort was given to reduce litter, non-recyclable materials and paint marks in the support stations and trails. In the parallel events, 2 small races, KIDS and JUNIOR Olympus Marathon, took place on Saturday evening, gathering more that 150 youngsters.
The OM organization extends its gratitude to all athletes, volunteers and friends of Olympus Marathon and announces the 8th edition of the race for June 26, 2011. Olympus Marathon started in 2004, as a modern, athletic reviving of the sacred pilgrimage to mount Olympus were ancient Greeks gave offerings and sacrifices to the 12 Olympic Gods and particularly to Zeus.