Participation of the Agricultural University of Athens with the "AUA Running Team", in the 41st Authentic Athens Marathon on November 9 and 10, 2024

On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November 2024, the 41st Authentic Athens Marathon and the parallel races took place.  In this historically important event, the Agricultural University of Athens participated with the “AUA Running Team”, consisting of 202 runners who participated in all the offered routes (Marathon road 42km, 5km, 10km and 5km Universities Night Run).

               In the 41st Authentic Marathon of Athens, which is a unique event of the sporting and cultural heritage of our country and which every year inspires thousands of runners from all over the world to be part of its history, the Community of the Agricultural University of Athens gave once again the resounding present and honored the event.

               The “AUA Running Team”, which became particularly well-known throughout Greece, through social networks counts in its 4 years of existence, 1250 members (students, AUA staff and agronomists.) Graduates were also hosted in this year's event, many of whom came from many parts of Greece.

               The main core of this year's participation were the students of Agricultural University of Athens as well as the staff from every position within the University Community, taking part in the 5km Universities Night Run, the race where only runners from Universities around the world took part. All participants were excited by the experience of participating and interacting with their peers.

The organization of the 41st Authentic Marathon of Athens was honored with their presence of the Rectory Authorities, specifically the Vice-Rector of European University, Internationalization and Student Affairs, Professor Eleni Miliou, the former Vice-Rector of Administrative Affairs, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Professor  Nikolaos Derkas, the former Vice-Rector of Research and Lifelong Education Stavros Zografakis, while the current Vice-Rector of Research, Finance and Development, Professor Thomas Bartzanas, who participates in almost all the activities of the running team of the Agricultural University of Athens, failed to attend the race due to his absence abroad.

               All the participants expressed their satisfaction with the experience at the races, proving in the best way that the “AUA Running Team” is achieving its goals, which is to attract as many members of the AUA university community as possible in order to participate in sports and other activities, giving them the opportunity to get to know each other in conditions outside the daily working environment, strengthening their relationships and creating a sense of "belonging" to the wider AUA team.  In addition, the joy expressed by all participants highlighted the need for similar actions that motivate more and more members of the university community to acquire lifelong healthy habits and behaviors. The “AUA Running Team” will continue its activities and invites the entire university community to participate in them.

               The photography team of the Agricultural University of Athens, AUA Clicks!  once again warmly supported the sports action of  “AUA Running Team” by sending a photographer to capture moments of the races.  Their input and support have always been crucial by "saving" photographs that highlight all the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the participants.

               The photos of the event are posted at the following link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PoG8xQuf6DHJCrm59

                    The organization was undertaken by the Physical Education teacher Mrs Polixeni Tsaliagou founding member of the AUA Running Team.

                    Follow the AUA Running Team on Social Media:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1348433342344417 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/aua_running_team/