AIMS INVITATION FOR ALL MARATHON AND DISTANCE RACE ORGANIZERS – The “9th AIMS Marathon Symposium” on 7 November 2015 in Athens and Marathon

Dear Friends, as you are already aware, since 2007, AIMS – in collaboration with IAAF, the City of Marathon and SEGAS (the Hellenic Athletics Federation) – has established the annual international “AIMS Marathon Symposium” which is held every year in Athens-Greece, the day before the annual Marathon race held on the original Marathon course, called since this year "Athens Marathon. The Authentic" (previously Athens Classic Marathon).

The aim of this 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 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 “9th AIMS Marathon Symposium” will be held on 7 November 2015, under the title: “Doping Threats in Distance Running”.

During the Symposium, 4 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 Symposium 2015 – Detailed Sessions Program V1” 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 taking place from 6 to 8 of November 2015: the AIMS Best Marathon Runner Gala (on Friday evening, Nov. 6th, see separate attachment), the ERGO Marathon EXPO, the Athens Marathon Opening Ceremonies & Marathon Flame Lighting at the archaeological site of Marathon Tomb, as well as the start and finish of the Authentic Marathon race, to be held on Sunday morning, Nov. 8th. 

For your information, you may find attached the first draft of the “AIMS Marathon Symposium 2015 – 5-Days Schedule”.  

The AIMS Marathon Symposium Organising Committee offers B&B accommodation for 3 nights, 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 Marathon Symposium 2015 – General Info”).

Finally, you may also find attached the “AIMS Marathon Symposium 2015 – Application Form” which you are kindly asked to fill in and send it back to the Symposium Secretariat, at the latest by October 1st, 2015.

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 Marathon Symposium Secretariat:

AIMS MARATHON SYMPOSIUM SECRETARIAT
"ATHENS MARATHON. THE AUTHENTIC" HEADQUARTERS at SEGAS
Tel: +30 210 9331133 / 9315886
Fax: + 30 210 9331152
Email: aimsmarathonsymposium@athensauthenticmarathon.gr

The AIMS Marathon Symposium Organizing Committee:

Horst Milde, Chairman, Berlin Marathon
Ilias Psinakis, Member, Mayor Elect of the Marathon Municipality
Kostas Panagopoulos, Member, President of SEGAS
VassilisSevastis, Member, Secretary General of SEGAS
Sean Wallace-Jones, Member, IAAF Road Running Coordination