The final moments of the 42nd Athens Authentic Marathon on Sunday were among its most emotional. Ioakeim Yfantis, a 67-year-old runner, crossed the finish line after eight hours, earning a standing ovation from spectators and volunteers inside the historic Panathenaic Stadium.

Waiting for him at the finish was Sofia Sakorafa, president of Greece’s athletics federation (SEGAS), who placed the medal around his neck and congratulated him for his persistence and sportsmanship.

“May we all have our health so that we can keep running. I thank the wonderful people who organize these races,” said Yfantis, visibly moved as he received applause from the crowd.

A Veteran Marathoner

Yfantis, who has taken part in 30 marathons, became a symbol of the event’s enduring spirit. His finish underscored the idea that the Athens Marathon — tracing the legendary route from Marathon to Athens — is not just about winning, but about resilience, discipline, and personal triumph.

Earlier in the day, Panagiotis Karaiskos and Matina Noula claimed victory, both securing their second national titles. But for many spectators, it was Yfantis’s slow but steady arrival at the marble stadium that captured the true essence of the race: the joy of completing the journey.