1st International Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Race

We Run for Prevention

For the first time, we hold in our hands studies showing that dementia can be prevented by up to 45%. Run with us in Thessaloniki!

  • Sunday 26 April 2026
  • 12:30
  • Thessaloniki
  • 5 km
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We Run for Prevention

Dementia in numbers

  • 45% of dementia cases may be preventable
  • 50M+ people live with dementia worldwide
  • 200,000 people with dementia in Greece
  • 1M Greek families affected every day

Run 2 Stop Alzheimer

Something even more significant… prevention!

After many years of continuous research, we have now reached encouraging outcomes—not just in diagnosis, treatment, and management, but in something even more significant… PREVENTION!

For the first time, we hold in our hands studies and research that show DEMENTIA CAN BE PREVENTED by up to 45%!

With the aim of highlighting the importance of prevention, the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders took the initiative to organize the 1st International Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Race.

  1. April 2025

    The first run took place with great success in Thessaloniki, as part of the 19th International Marathon “Alexander the Great”.

  2. October 2025

    The second was held during the 13th Thessaloniki International Night Half Marathon.

  3. 2026

    The initiative continues with another major participation in the Anniversary Thessaloniki Marathon “Alexander the Great”.

Our race

We Run for Prevention

5 km

5 km Road Race – Run 2 Stop Alzheimer

Our team will participate in the 5 km race.

Date
Sunday 26 April 2026
Start time
12:30
Starting point
Thessaloniki City Hall Intersection of Vasilissis Georgiou St. and 3rd September St.
Finish line
Thessaloniki Waterfront – Megalou Alexandrou Avenue At the Alexander the Great Statue
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Route map: 5 km Road Race – Run 2 Stop Alzheimer Enlarge map
Route map

Participation

Who Can Participate

Participation is open to everyone. We invite:

  • members and friends of our organizations
  • caregivers and families of patients
  • doctors and healthcare professionals
  • students and young people
  • school pupils and educational institutions
  • any citizen who wishes to support prevention

Even young children can run for their grandparents, sending a message of love and hope.

On the same day

Participation in Other Marathon Races

Those who wish may also take part in the other races of the Marathon:

10 km

10 km Road Race

Start time
08:30
Starting point
Ampelokipoi–Menemeni Municipal Stadium
Finish line
Thessaloniki Waterfront – Megalou Alexandrou Avenue
42,195 km

Marathon Race

Start time
07:30
Starting point
Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great
Finish line
Thessaloniki Waterfront – Megalou Alexandrou Avenue

The 10 km route is officially certified by the IAAF, as is the Marathon route.

Scholarships

We Run for Research

The funds raised through participation fees are allocated exclusively to research scholarships for dementia.

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding Greek students, supporting scientific research for the prevention and treatment of the disease.

The first scholarship recipients were announced at the 14th Panhellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Conference, held in February 2025 in Thessaloniki.

Why we run

The Need for the Road Race

Dementia is one of the greatest challenges of modern society. Today, more than 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, while in Greece the number is estimated at around 200,000 patients.

Dementia is a long-term illness that deeply affects not only patients but also their families. In Greece alone, nearly one million families are challenged by what can often feel like a difficult and exhausting “marathon of life.” The burden is particularly heavy for caregivers, who face emotional, psychological, and financial challenges.

Globally, cancer and dementia are among the most widely recognized diseases of our time. This is why our initiative focuses on preventive action—raising awareness and mobilizing citizens, regardless of whether they have experienced dementia within their own families.

Through this initiative, we aim to launch a global campaign for awareness and prevention.

The Need for the Road Race

A message from the President

A Message from Thessaloniki to the World

As President of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and Emeritus Professor of Neurology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, I would like to emphasize that Greece has already taken important steps to support both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Significant progress has been made through:

  • the development of a National Strategic Plan for Dementia
  • the establishment of Day Care Centers
  • Mobile Care Units
  • residential facilities for middle and advanced stages of dementia
  • community liaison services

Across the country, we continuously organize lectures, workshops, and conferences, many of which are also available online to support citizens who live far from urban centers.

Today, however, it is time to begin a new, ambitious, and hopeful effort: a global campaign for prevention.

Scientific research now shows that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable. Most importantly, dementia is not inevitably linked to life expectancy. With the right preventive actions, awareness, and lifestyle changes, we can significantly reduce the risk and impact of the disease.

President of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders
Emeritus Professor of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

A strong message for the future

From Thessaloniki, we send a strong message to the world.

The path to dementia prevention has begun.

And for this message to be heard even louder, we need everyone’s participation.

Run with us

Patronage & support

With the support of

  • With the blessing

    of the Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki Mr. Philotheou

  • With the cooperation

    of the Mayor of Thessaloniki Municipality Mr. St. Angeloudi

  • With the support

    of the Deputy Minister of the Sector Macedonia – Thrace (Ministry of Interior) Mr. K. Gkiouleka and the Coordinator of the Prime Minister's Office in Thessaloniki Mr. I. Papageorgiou

  • With the support

    of the Governor of Central Macedonia Ms. Ath. Aidona

Registration

Run with us for prevention

Register to participate in the event and receive more information.

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