Idomeneas Avramakis, a marathon runner from Heraklion, is well-known among athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Once again, he became a source of inspiration at this year’s Athens Marathon.
The 73-year-old marathoner from Heraklion, a retired employee of the Region of Crete, captured the spotlight once more.
Although, as he told the newspaper Patrida, he’s lost count of the marathons he’s run, his love for running is undeniable. It’s his personal path in life, filled with physical and mental challenges. For many years now, he has combined discipline, strategy, and a positive mindset, following his own motto: “Run so no one runs you.”
What truly sets him apart in the marathon world is his distinctive attire, which never fails to turn heads. For the past 18 years, he has run dressed as an ancient Athenian hoplite, bringing to mind the historic journey of Pheidippides.
At this year’s Athens Marathon, despite the weather challenges and the grueling 42-kilometer distance, he managed to complete the course last Saturday in 8 hours and 47 minutes. For Avramakis, participation matters more than speed, as he believes it showcases the power of human will and resilience.
His journey hasn’t always been easy. Thirty months ago, the Heraklion-based marathoner was injured in a car accident, which required surgery to place a metal rod in his leg. Despite this setback, he didn’t allow himself to give up. With persistence and training, he was back on his feet, running the marathon with the rod in his leg, showing that determination can surpass the physical limits of the body.
His path as a marathoner isn’t just about physical strength but also about his ability to overcome difficult situations. Eighteen years ago, he faced a serious health issue that kept him in intensive care for a month. This experience left a lasting mark but also prompted him to see life differently. After recovering, he decided to toss aside his shoes and start running barefoot.
He loves nature and embraces its challenges, even in extreme weather. Running in the rain, when it’s “raining cats and dogs,” is, for him, a moment of freedom and authenticity. “I love running even when there’s water a meter deep. Even if I get injured or step on something, it’s not the end of the world. I just remove it and keep going,” he says.
His achievements extend beyond Greece. Years ago, when he was invited to run a marathon in China, he once again drew attention, leaving his unique mark. Those who know him speak admiringly of his persistence, courage, and boundless energy. Remarkably, at 73, he’s a person few can say a bad word about.
Always smiling and willing to help anyone who wants to get to know him, Mr. Idomeneas Avramakis is, as many say, proof that limits are meant to be exceeded.