Runners motivated by a noble cause conquer the streets of the capital

Maria Malai, John Garoufas and Periklis Ripis run through the National Garden in the center of Athens.

By Christina Sanoudou

Taking in the cobblestone streets of Plaka up to the Anafiotika district at the foot of the Acropolis, to the Ancient Agora, Thiseio and the footpaths of Philopappou Hill, and then to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Zappeio and Parliament, the three founding members of Urban Trail Runners launched a new initiative by crossing most of the historical center of Athens. Their maiden run took them through alleys and streets, up and down stairs and zigzagging through crowds that cheered them on.

Though they have been into sports for years, Maria Malai, John Garoufas and Periklis Ripis are more accustomed to competitive mountain running, which is what brought them together and led to the idea of an alternative mission: promoting beautiful well- and lesser-known parts of Greece’s cities by videotaping themselves running past or through historical monuments, archaeological sites, parks and other landmarks. They hope their idea will attract more professional and amateur runners who want to combine exercise with exploration of the urban environment. Their first video has already garnered more than 5,000 “likes” on YouTube, while the video of their second run is also gaining popularity. That saw them running 10 kilometers from the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Athens’s southern coast and through iconic neighborhoods in Piraeus such as Pasalimani and Kastela. Some 300 runners have so far expressed an interest in participating in future endeavors with the Urban Trail Runners.

Putting together groups of people – regardless of age or experience – who are in good physical shape and want to join in is the next phase of the...