At 88 years old, Greek runner Ploutarchos Pourliakas completed the 41st Athens Marathon, demonstrating that age does not inhibit determination. Held annually, this iconic race follows a historic route dating back over 2,500 years when Athenian messenger Pheidippides reportedly ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce victory. This course, often referred to as “The Authentic,” is recognized as the original marathon route and was famously used in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Pourliakas finished the race in 6 hours and 31 minutes, improving his time by 18 minutes from the previous year. The seasoned runner achieved this feat at the historic Panathenaic Stadium, surrounded by the support of his family and grandchildren.

Pourliakas began running at age 73, inspired by his son, an ultramarathon runner, in his hometown of Kastoria in northern Greece. He attributes his success to a disciplined lifestyle, running daily between four and five kilometers and up to 20 kilometers on weekends. He maintains a balanced diet, avoids smoking and excessive habits, and includes moderate amounts of the traditional Greek spirit, tsipouro, a distilled grape-based alcohol, as a “medicine” in his daily regimen. Pourliakas’s perseverance and vitality challenge conventional beliefs about aging, and he expressed confidence that anyone, regardless of age, can achieve similar goals with dedication. His story serves as an inspiration for people worldwide, exemplifying how commitment to a healthy lifestyle and consistent physical activity can enable remarkable achievements.