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.