Taking the first step is more important than crossing the finish line, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Saturday, in a social media post on the 43rd Athens Marathon taking place on Sunday.

“On my way to the office, I follow the ‘Blue line’,” he said. “It is the route that connects the starting point of the Marathon with the Panathenaic Stadium. And I think the emotion felt by every runner crossing the finish line at this hallowed venue of world sport is difficult to put into words,” Mitsotakis said.

“Tomorrow, we expect tens of thousands of men and women from all over the world to experience this special emotion at the 43rd Athens Marathon. It is the classic route that connects our history with modern Greece. But I also want to send a message to everyone: taking the first step is more important than crossing the finish line. Whether you are running the 5 km, the 10 km or the marathon, you are doing something extremely important for yourself and your health.

“So don’t hesitate to take that first step. Let’s get up off the sofa and go outside. Let’s walk, run or cycle. Let’s make exercise part of our lives.

“I know very well that there are many challenges and that the daily race of life never ends. But there is always a little time to be found for some exercise, which promotes health and wellbeing. And there is no need for us all to become marathon runners. After all, what struck me most last year, when I met some of the Marathon runners, was that they all started with a walk in their local park.

“So let’s applaud the runners who will fill Athens with smiles this weekend. And let’s take that first step – towards exercise and a healthier life! Good luck to everyone, and may you all reach the finish line!” the Prime Minister concluded in his post.