Open Dialogue: “Running and Health: Tips for both seasoned and beginner runners”
On Sunday, March 3, 2024, the Patras Half Marathon organized an open dialogue with the theme “Running and Health: Tips for both seasoned and beginner runners.” The event took place at the My Way Hotel & Events, at 18:00.
The goal of the event was to share information about health and well-being through running, covering topics such as training programming, nutrition, psychology, medical support, and more. Specifically, among others, the following topics were discussed:
- Pre-competition check
- Cardiovascular health and the role of physical activity
- Training programming
- Warm-up before the race
- The role of nutrition in athletic performance
- Recommended dietary habits
- Key points of the training period
- Common injuries in runners, prevention, and treatment
- Practical training tips
- Management of daily training routine
- Managing pre-competition anxiety
The discussion involved specialized professionals and experienced athletes who shared their knowledge and answer questions. Specifically (in alphabetical order):
- Dimitris Theodorakakos, Greek Marathon champion and world cup champion in mountain running. Graduate coach of Classical Athletics.
- Dimitris Thodoridis, Coordinator of Medium-Long Distances at the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS).
- Irini Babaroutsi, PhD clinical dietitian, sports nutritionist, PhD holder from Harokopio University of Athens, scientific director of the “Thermida” Dietetic Office, nutritionist for the National Track and Field Team, scientific collaborator of the European Handball Federation.
- Theodoros Betsos, physiotherapist – orthopedic therapist with manipulations – medical training therapist.
- Sofia Riga, Greek Marathon champion, participant in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
- Georgios Stavroulakis, MD, PhD, FESC, cardiologist, PhD holder from the University of Athens (specialization in Sports Cardiology).
Via video, a presentation from:
- Dan Benardot, professor of Practice in the Center for the Study of Human Health at Emory University.
The opening remarks will be attended by:
- Charalambos Bonanos, Deputy Regional Governor of Western Greece
- Anna Mastorakou, Deputy Regional Governor of Public Health of Western Greece
- Panagiotis Petropoulos, deputy mayor for Sports, Environment, Energy and Greenery of Patras Municipality
- Panagiotis Trigas, nephrologist, scientific manager of the chronic hemodialysis unit TRIGAS NEPHROS MON SA.
- Pyrros Dimas, Olympic champion, weightlifting athlete (video)
The discussion will be moderated by Nikos Polias, technical director of the Patras Half Marathon and winner of the Panhellenic Marathon Championship.
The main sponsor of the event is Trigkas Nephros MON A.E., the chronic dialysis unit. It’ s also supported by My Way Hotel & Events.
The invitation is open to all runners and those interested in learning about the benefits of running and hearing experiences from experts in the field.
Main Sponsor:
Supporter:
Information:
Tel.: +30 2610 312530
Email: office@patrashalfmarathon.gr
GU Energy Labs is once again our silver sponsor!
Our runners will have the opportunity to taste the GU energy gels, ensuring energy and endurance during the race.
GU Energy Labs strives to help athletes to reach their highest potential with products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Developed in collaboration with Olympians and age groupers alike, the GU nutrition matrix of Hydration, Energy and Recovery products has helped countless athletes achieve their dreams since its inception in 1993. Headquartered in Berkeley, GU Energy Labs produces all of its Energy Gels onsite with just the right blend of heart and science. Recommit to becoming your best athletic self, learn more about GU products, and discover how nutrition planning can help you get there at www.guenergy.com or www.guenergy.gr.
Stay updated on GU news and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Address: 156. Alexandras Avenue, 11471, Athens
Tel.: +30.210.6436378
Email: info@GUenergy.gr
Athinodoros Aigieus is once again supporting the Patras Half Marathon and will participate with a substantial representation in the grand celebration of the running movement, scheduled for April 7th in Patras.

Nektarios Argyriadis, president of Athinodoros
“Our common vision for the development of classic sports in our region unites us with the organizers of the Patras Half Marathon,” stated Nektarios Argyriadis, the president of Athinodoros, to the “PELOPONNISOS” newspaper. He added, “our club, founded in 2005 by a group of veteran athletes and marathon runners, works systematically for the revival of classic sports in Aigio. This is evident in our achievements with our athletes at the national level and, most importantly, in organizing major events such as the Aigialeia Half Marathon and national championships in long-distance running. Under these circumstances, we could not but stand by our good friends in Patras, whom we congratulate for their efforts. Moreover, the more running events come to Achaia, the greater the external focus our region gains, and more enthusiasts of classic sports come closer to the field. Good luck to this year’s Patras Half Marathon. We will be there again for the big meeting in Patras!”

