Dimitris Tassopoulos will participate in the 2nd Patras Half Marathon
In his interview on Peloponnisos FM 104.1, the athlete from “Athinodoroς Aigieus” spoke about the advantages of the Patras Half Marathon. He highlighted the support of Pelops in sports and emphasized that he began his career there.
He expressed his satisfaction with the high organizational level of last year’s Patras Half Marathon, describing it as exceptional. He also mentioned that Patras is a city that encourages running, pointing out that in this particular route, one has the opportunity to achieve records while simultaneously enjoying it, as it crosses the coastal front, one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Regarding the flourishing of the running movement in Patras and other areas, he noted the increased participation and enthusiasm of people for running. He expressed joy for the country’s integration into the spirit of sports and the positive benefits that arise from a healthy lifestyle.
In summary, Dimitris Tassopoulos expressed his positive impression of the Patras Half Marathon, emphasizing its significance for the local community and sports in general.
We are thrilled to announce our renewed collaboration with the Patras-based Nuts and Coffee Industry “Sideris” for this year.
Proper nutrition is crucial for a runner’s performance, and nothing compares to the energy provided by nuts. They serve as the natural fuel needed for runners to succeed with strength and vitality. Supporting active lifestyles and sports, “Sideris” sponsors nuts for the participants of the Patras Half Marathon, ensuring they have an experience filled with energy and well-being.
“Sideris” has entered its fourth decade, passing down its legacy to the next generation. The journey of Nuts and Coffees “Sideris” began in the early ’80s at 93 Korinthou Street as a family business. Initially, sales were exclusively wholesale to stores in Patras and surrounding areas. However, the aroma of freshly roasted nuts and coffees, along with the reputation of a traditional artisanal industry, led to the need for retail distribution from the workshop’s premises. To be closer to its customers, a branch was established at 30 Riga Feraiou. With a focus on quality and productivity, the company invested in building and mechanical equipment, relocating its headquarters to 83 Korinthou Street in 2006, a three-story property. Simultaneously, new refrigeration chambers and state-of-the-art ovens ensure upgraded quality and a production capacity of 1000 kg/day. The ISO 22000 certification crowns the company’s efforts in the safe food management sector. Since November 2018, “Sideris” serves the entire Patras region with multiple branches, including a new one at 301 Korinthou & Pantanassis.
Established in Patras in 1981, the Patras Health Runners Club (S.D.Y.P.) is a non-profit, amateur, sports organization with a social and philanthropic purpose. Despite its founding during a time when mass popular sports and the running movement were in their infancy, S.D.Y.P. has managed to grow significantly and gather over 600 members.
The club is active in road races ranging from short distances to marathons, as well as endurance trail races. Its objectives include fostering the sporting spirit, improving physical fitness, promoting sports in the region, strengthening relationships among athletes, and organizing sports, social, and cultural events.
The pioneering contribution of S.D.Y.P.’s founder, Giorgos Antypas, to mass popular sports, along with successful races such as the Marathon from Kalogria to Patras, the half marathon from Alissos to Patras, the first mountain races with a 23 km route from the Gerokomeio Monastery to the Panachaiko Shelter, the crossing of the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, and the Tour of Patras, constitute significant chapters in the club’s history.
The president of the S.D.Y.P. Patras, Eleni Militsopoulou, spoke with Prokopis Kogos on the radio station Peloponnisos FM 104.1 about the upcoming 2nd Patras Half Marathon scheduled for April 7. During the interview, Mrs. Militsopoulou referred to the active participation of the club in the previous 1st Patras Half Marathon and expressed her certainty about the success of this year’s race, confirming the club’s active involvement.
Furthermore, she mentioned the excellent organization of the previous year and emphasized the significant contribution of volunteers and S.D.Y.P. She highlighted the advantage of the route and the increasing participation of runners, connecting it with the rise of the running movement, indicating a desire for escape from everyday life, and highlighting the opportunity for social gatherings.
The renowned marathon runner, Spyros Andriopoulos, morally and practically supports the 2nd Patras Half Marathon.
Spyros Andriopoulos was born in Patras in 1962. He became involved in athletics following a victory in a road race at the regional school championship in 1980. He joined the Athletic Football Club “Patrai” and, after continuous successes, quickly earned a spot on the National Team, evolving into one of the most significant Greek long-distance runners of all time.
Specializing in longer distances, particularly the marathon, Andriopoulos achieved remarkable distinctions. In 1988, he broke the Greek Marathon record, having previously broken the National 10,000 m record twice in 1983 as a teenager (28:30) and in 1987.
He still holds to this day the national records in the marathon, half marathon, and 10,000m.
He secured 2nd place in a university competition in 1987, and triumphed in the Bruno Zauli Marathon in 1987 and 1985. In a Balkan Championship cross-country race, he claimed 2nd place individually and as part of a team in 1997. Andriopoulos participated in four European Championships, earning distinctions in 1986 (Stuttgart, 10,000 m), 1990 (Split, 10,000 m and marathon), 1994 (Helsinki, marathon), and 1998 (Budapest, marathon). At the World Championships, he secured 7th place in the 10,000 m in 1987, setting a national record with a time of 28:07.17 (Rome).
In the World Cup, he achieved 12th place in the marathon in 1987 (Seoul). He had the privilege of participating in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, finishing 36th in the marathon. He studied at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA) and is a track and field coach.
The support of Spyros Andriopoulos serves as great motivation for all of us. With his experience and passion, he inspires the entire running community.
The Organizing Committee of the Patras Half Marathon is pleased to announce its collaboration with FPlace, which will be the official silver sponsor for our second race. The philosophy of FPlace’s holistic approach to athletes aligns perfectly with the goals of the Patras Half Marathon.
At FPlace, they believe in a personalized approach for each athlete, focusing on the triad of exercise, nutrition, and recovery. The holistic approach acknowledges the interconnection of these aspects, aiming to create a comprehensive and healthy athletic experience.
In the realm of exercise, experienced trainers tailor workout programs for each athlete to promote physical fitness, strength, and endurance. Guidance is individualized to ensure that each training session is adapted to the needs and goals of the athlete. Trainers create inspiring experiences that support the journey towards improved physical well-being, with the goal of making sports a lifestyle. The program adjusts with each workout, synchronizing with the athlete’s progress and evolution.
The center’s specialized nutritionist provides modern and personalized dietary programs, aiming to highlight the best version of individuals and encourage balanced nutritional behavior for the maintenance of health and optimal physical appearance.
In the field of physiotherapy, emphasis is placed on detailed assessment and the selection of the appropriate therapeutic techniques and tools that lead to the most efficient resolution of musculoskeletal issues.
Since 2019, FPlace has been operating at Epidauros 2, supporting every athlete and runner in achieving the highest level of health and physical fitness.
Nikodemos Nikolakeas, athlete of AEP Olympias, spoke to the journalist Prokopis Kogos on Peloponnisos Fm 104.1 and discussed his participation in the 2nd Patras Half Marathon.
It is worth noting that N. Nikolakeas ran in the 5 km race last year, winning the gold medal. This year, he will participate in the half marathon race and extended an invitation to the entire city of Patras to attend the event, either as athletes or spectators.
The athlete emphasized, among other things, the high level of organization, the favorable date, and the flat course. He considers it crucial that the event takes place in King George Square, meaning in the city center, providing an opportunity for people to stand by the runners. In conclusion, he stated, “An advantage is that it appeals to everyone, not only professional runners but to all ages, and this is very positive for the rise of the running movement.”
Coffee Island announced its support for the organization of the 2nd Patras Half Marathon, reinforcing the athletic event with its golden sponsorship once again. The Coffee Island team continues to actively support initiatives promoting physical well-being, a healthy lifestyle, and the values of sports. For another year, it will provide all participants in the Patras Half Marathon with healthy snacks to fuel athletes with the necessary energy to successfully complete the race.
As part of its Sustainable Development program, Coffee Island remains committed to supporting local communities throughout its network’s operation. The promotion of local tourism development and the advocacy of sports as a way of life perfectly align to create a healthier and more dynamic social environment.
Established in Patras in 1999, Coffee Island is currently in its third decade of operation and holds the position of the number one coffee chain in Greece. It was awarded the title of “Best Coffee Chain in Southern Europe 2022” (Allegra European Awards). The network of 487 stores spans across 50 prefectures and 114 cities in Greece, as well as 55 locations internationally (Cyprus, London, Switzerland, Romania, Toronto, Egypt, and Dubai). Coffee Island’s coffee products are also available in organized retail.
Dedicated to the future, Coffee Island continues to support and create Sustainable Development initiatives for People, Society, and the Environment, collaborating with coffee growers, café owners, and consumers. Actively contributing to local communities, reducing its environmental footprint, and committing to quality and safe products, Coffee Island supports direct trade with coffee producers or cooperatives in coffee-producing countries. The company owns processing and storage facilities where 1,400 tons of coffee are processed and roasted annually.
With 225 employees and collaboration with 513 entrepreneurs through a franchising system, Coffee Island’s network employs over 3,500 trained baristas and distributors. The company contributes to the national economy through taxation, returns value to Greek society, and provides growth opportunities for 817 cooperating Greek supplier companies.
Visit Coffee Island at:
https://corporate.coffeeisland.gr/
https://www.instagram.com/coffee_island_official
https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeIslandGreece/?fref=ts
The Marathon Runners Association of Achaia “Pheidippides”, true to its commitment to the significant running events held in Patras, will once again support the organization of the 2nd Patras Half Marathon this year.
In the previous edition, “Pheidippides” stood out as the largest club, boasting 120 registrations and 104 finishers in the 21.1 km and 5 km races. This year, with an enthusiastic enrollment of new members in the first months of 2024, the club aspires to surpass its previous performance.
The majority of “Pheidippides” members, representing Patras and the Achaia region of Marathon Runners, will actively participate in the Patras Half Marathon, conveying their love for long distances. This passion is passed down from the active founding members of the Club to the younger generation who, alongside with their running companions, enjoy the numerous benefits of such activities in terms of socializing and positive interaction among participants.
Moreover, the participation of other family members of “Pheidippides” runners in the shorter 5 km distances, as well as the children’s 1.000 m race, will convey the message that running is a family activity that enhances the quality of life, providing a positive outlook in these challenging times.
Only two months remain until the significant running event in Patras.
On April 7, 2024, we invite everyone to be at the starting line at King George A Square. The race includes routes for everyone: 21 km, 5 km, and even 1 km for the little runners.
The course runs along both the seaside and the urban fabric of Patras, offering an easy and flat course for participants, making it ideal for achieving records.
Please note that reduced prices are valid until Wednesday, February 7. Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of the early bird discount: https://patrashalfmarathon.gr/races
We look forward to seeing you all in Patras for the 2nd Patras Half Marathon.
See you on April 7, 2024, at King George A Square for the grand running celebration.