Europa Uomo Hellas, the Panhellenic Association for Prostate Cancer, will hold the first Prostate Cancer Race at the National Technical University of Athens campus in Zografou on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The eight-kilometre road race is designed to raise public awareness about prostate cancer prevention and encourage early diagnosis among men.
The event will begin at 18:00 at the Zografou Gate of the university campus, preceded by a 1,000-metre children's race at 17:40. Organisers announced that all registration proceeds will fund the educational and patient support initiatives of the association.
Europa Uomo Hellas operates as the Greek member of Europa Uomo, a European coalition of patient organisations dedicated to fighting prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland of the male reproductive system and represents one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men worldwide. Medical experts emphasize that regular health screenings and early detection significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Route details and race schedule
The primary eight-kilometre race is open to amateur runners but features several elevation inclines along the campus roads, making it best suited for trained participants. Both the start line and the finish line will be situated at the Zografou Gate.
Twenty minutes before the main race starts, younger participants will take part in a 1,000-metre children's race. Participation in the children's event is free of charge.
The National Technical University of Athens, established in 1837, is the oldest technical institution in Greece. Its main campus in Zografou, an eastern suburb of Athens situated near the base of Mount Hymettus, covers an expansive and hilly area that provides challenging terrain for athletic events.
Registration requirements and entry fees
Entry for the eight-kilometre race costs 10 euros per participant. Registration includes an official commemorative T-shirt of the first Prostate Cancer Race and a souvenir finisher medal for all runners who complete the distance.
Organisers will present awards to the top three male finishers and top three female finishers in the general classification. Registration is available exclusively online until Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 22:00, with a limited number of entry spots available. Payment must be completed at the time of online registration, which is currently open.
Public health goals and awareness
Organisers explained that the initiative seeks to move prostate cancer prevention out of medical clinics and into broader society. The campaign aims to encourage open discussion among men, motivate them to seek medical information, and emphasize that health care should not begin only after symptoms appear.
Every runner will receive a Prostate Cancer Prevention and Information Guide compiled under the scientific supervision of the Hellenic Urological Association. The publication provides accessible guidance regarding preventive health checks, risk evaluations, and early diagnostic procedures.
The Hellenic Urological Association serves as the official professional body for urologists across Greece. Urologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the male reproductive system and the urinary tract in both men and women.
Institutional endorsements and medical coverage
The event is organised with the support of the National Technical University of Athens and the Municipality of Zografou.
Four major health organisations have granted official patronage to the race: the Hellenic Cancer Federation, the Hellenic Urological Association, the Society of Medical Oncologists of Greece, and the National Association of Nurses of Greece.
The Hellenic Cancer Federation represents patient advocacy groups across Greece to improve cancer patient rights and healthcare policies. The Society of Medical Oncologists of Greece acts as the national professional society for medical oncology specialists, while the National Association of Nurses of Greece represents registered nursing professionals nationwide.
Athens Medical Group will provide comprehensive medical coverage for the race. A dedicated physician and an ambulance service will remain on site throughout the duration of the event.
Athens Medical Group is one of the largest private healthcare providers in Greece, operating multiple diagnostic centers and acute care hospitals across the country.
Corporate sponsorship and media partners
The first Prostate Cancer Race is supported by several corporate sponsors from the pharmaceutical sector. ELPEN and Novartis are serving as Gold Sponsors, while Astellas and Johnson and Johnson are acting as Silver Sponsors.
ELPEN is a prominent Greek pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1965, while Novartis, Astellas, and Johnson and Johnson are multinational healthcare and pharmaceutical companies that develop oncology therapies.
Promotional support and news coverage for the awareness campaign are provided by media sponsors NEWS 24/7, SPORTAL, POPAGANDA, KLIK, HEALTH PHARMA, and BIZNOW.
Organisers stated that all event revenues will directly support Europa Uomo Hellas in fulfilling its statutory mission to advance prostate cancer awareness, promote early detection, and assist patients and their families. Prospective participants must complete their online registration before the September 8 deadline ahead of the race on September 12.
