Invitation - AIMS

TO:
ALL MARATHON AND DISTANCE RACE ORGANIZERS
Dear Friends,
Athens – Marathon, August 24, 2009
As you are already aware, AIMS – in collaboration with IAAF, the City of Marathon and
SEGAS (the Hellenic Athletics Federation) – has established the annual international
“AIMS-IAAF Marathon Symposium” which is held every year in Athens-Marathon, at
the premises of the historic start venue of the Athens Classic Marathon, the day
before the annual Classic Marathon race held on the original Marathon course.
The aim of this annual international event, the AIMS-IAAF 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
organization of an annual Symposium at the birthplace of the Marathon, besides
discussing current issues regarding the organisation of a successful Marathon event,
also raises significant symbolism related to World Peace, Olympic Ideals and Fair Play.
The “3 rd AIMS-IAAF Marathon Symposium” will be held on 7 November
2009, under the title: “CHARITY PROGRAMS & MARATHON MOVEMENT”.
During the Symposium, 5-6 major speakers and other round table participants will
present to and discuss with the audience various themes related to the main topic,
aiming to offer useful ideas, solutions and practises to race organisers and city or
sport authorities involved. For your information, the first draft of the “AIMS-IAAF
Symposium 2009 - Detailed Sessions Program” is attached to this open invitation
to all of you, while the full list of the speakers’ names will be completed and
announced within the next few weeks.
In addition to the Symposium sessions, all Symposium participants are invited to
attend all events held in parallel to the Athens Classic Marathon: the EXPO, the
Opening Ceremonies at the archaeological site of Marathon Tomb and the start and
finish of the Athens Classic Marathon race, to be held the next day, November 8 th
2009. For your information, on the next page you may find the first draft of the
“AIMS-IAAF Symposium 2009 - 3-Day Summary Itinerary”.
The AIMS-IAAF Marathon Symposium Organising Committee offers full board
accommodation free-of-charge to one participant per race (regardless of whether they
are members of AIMS). Delegates will be met at Athens Airport and local
transportation will be provided. Race organisers interested in participating in this
Symposium may be represented by more than one delegate if they bear the cost, as
described in the attached Symposium Information sheet (“AIMS-IAAF Symposium
2009 – General Info”).
Finally, you may also find attached the “AIMS-IAAF Symposium 2009 - Application
Form” which you are kindly asked to fill in and send it back to the Symposium
Secretariat, at the latest by October 1 st , 2009. You may print the application
document, fill in the appropriate information and send it by fax, or you may just use

the attached document, fill it in electronically and send it by email. Applications will be
accepted in order of precedence.
For any further information or clarification needed, you may contact the AIMS-IAAF
Marathon Symposium Secretariat:
AIMS-IAAF MARATHON SYMPOSIUM SECRETARIAT
ATHENS CLASSIC MARATHON HEADQUARTERS at SEGAS
Tel: +30 210 9331133 / 9315886
Fax: + 30 210 9331152
Email: aimsmarathonsymposium@athensclassicmarathon.gr
We always remain at your disposal,
The AIMS-IAAF Marathon Symposium Organizing Committee
Horst Milde, Chairman, AIMS Board Member
Kostas Panagopoulos, Member, Chairman of the Athens Classic Marathon
Vassilis Sevastis, Member, President of Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS)
Sean Wallace-Jones, Member, IAAF Road Running Coordination
Spyros Zagaris, Member, Mayor of the Marathon Municipality