At the remarkable age of 88, Greek runner Ploutarchos Pourliakas has once again shown that age is no limit to determination and personal achievement. This past Sunday, Pourliakas completed the 41st edition of the Athens Marathon, marking his 12th time running this iconic race. Known as “The Authentic,” the Athens Marathon is held on the legendary path believed to be the very route taken by the ancient Athenian messenger Phiedippides to announce the victory in the Battle of Marathon some 2,500 years ago. The same historic course was also chosen for the marathon event during the 2004 Olympics in Athens, linking each runner to a celebrated past.
Pourliakas’s completion of the race wasn’t just a triumph of endurance; he actually beat his previous year’s time by 18 minutes, finishing in 6 hours and 31 minutes. Speaking just moments after crossing the finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, he shared his joy and pride in his achievement, with his family and grandchildren cheering him on. “I feel younger than my 88 years,” he reflected, his accomplishment serving as a testament to his disciplined lifestyle and the sense of vitality that running gives him.
His passion for running began at the age of 73, inspired by his son, an ultramarathon runner. Since then, he has maintained a rigorous training routine in his hometown of Kastoria in northern Greece. Pourliakas runs between four to five kilometers each day and increases his distance to 20 kilometers on weekends. His fitness and energy levels often surprise people who doubt his age, but he responds with a belief that echoes his resilient spirit: “Why wouldn’t you believe it? We all can do it. As long as we want to.”
Beyond his training, Pourliakas attributes his success to a balanced lifestyle. “I’ve never smoked. I don’t indulge in excesses, I don’t drink, I don’t stay up late. I eat in moderation, everything in balance,” he explained. However, he does enjoy a small daily measure of tsipouro, a traditional Greek drink, which he considers a “medicine” rather than an indulgence.
Pourliakas’s story is an inspiration not just for his age group but for anyone facing life’s challenges with determination and discipline. His love for running and his commitment to a healthy, balanced life have transformed his later years, making him a symbol of perseverance and a reminder that passion and discipline can keep the spirit young, no matter the age.
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