ATHENS Hassan Fazli, a marathon runner from Iran, finished third in the 10-kilometer international race in Athens Sunday. The International Peace Marathon is held every year in memory of a Greek pacifist, Gregoris Lambrakis, who was assassinated in 1963. The international sports event includes two races, 42km marathon and the 10km road race. Fazli was declared first in the age group 40-49. The Iranian runner, who participated in the peace race in Athens last year, told IRNA that he did not take part in the marathon because he was preparing for another marathon race abroad.

Nikos Pollias of Greece won the Athens marathon in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 38 seconds. Runners from over 100 countries aged between 18-70 took part in the two races. Lambrakis, who was also a deputy in the Greek Parliament, initiated the first Athens marathon for peace in 1963. (IRNA)