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.