The number of the athletes who participate in the races that accompany the Athens Authentic Marathon is steadily increasing, with more than 13,700 people enrolled in the 2016 event. The marathon is internationally acclaimed but enjoys a particular popularity among Greeks, ever since Louis’ triumph. The passion for the race engulfs the spectators as well as the athletes, as was amply demonstrated in 1906: a Greek winner would receive a loaf of bread every day for a year, free lunch for six people each Sunday for a year, free shaves for life, and a life-size statue of Hermes.