The Non Profit Civil Company “Race for Autism Gr” was created to inform and raise public awareness of autism spectrum disorders, as well as the needs of autistic individuals and their families.
Race for Autism Gr aims to organise amateur sports events to raise autism awareness as well as to support young athletes with neurodiversity in their equal participation in sports events in Greece.
On Sunday, March 30th, the 5km race organized by the Non-Profit Civil Company Race for Autism Gr took place in Vouliagmeni, in collaboration with the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, aiming to raise awareness about autism and promote the equal participation of neurodiverse individuals in sports, in honor of April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day.
The race sold out by March 19th with 1,600 participants, showcasing the strong support of the running community for this cause.
The event was technically organized, as every year, by myrace.gr, delivering an impeccably executed race down to the finest detail.
As with last year, more women runners finished the race than men, with a total of 682 women and 628 men.
The total number of runners who started and completed the race was 1,310.
The race was hosted by Mr. Petros Parthenis, founder of WESWIM, who once again encouraged people to embrace physical exercise as a means of healing the soul.
The race officially started at 9:30 AM, launched by the Mayor of VVV, Mr. Grigoris Konstantellos, together with the President of the NPO, Ms. Ada Stamatatou.
The honorable Mayor, a man of genuine empathy, stated before the race:
“We all have a duty to be present, to promote awareness of neurodiversity, and to support organizations that uphold the equal participation of people with disabilities in sports.”
His promise to double next year’s participants gives us hope and strength to carry on.
Ms. Ada Stamatatou, founder and president of the NPO, thanked the Mayor for his hospitality and co-organization, emphasizing the importance of giving starting priority to assisted wheelchair users, para-athletes, and athletes using handcycles.
This race supports not free participation, but equal participation, ensuring access and safety in a competitive environment.
Every year, the first starting group is reserved for athletes with disabilities, honoring their right to begin from the A block — a symbol of their equal standing.
Dozens of para-athletes from organizations such as IONAS AMEA, Trexe Mazi Mou, MDA Hellas with the Finish Liners, Jambol Agapis, Dromeis Elpidas, 9th Elementary School of Athens, Omada Allilepidro, and KDAP-MEA “Dromos ton Chromaton” participated with wheelchairs and handcycles alongside their running companions, completing the challenging seaside 5km route in Kavouri.
Among them was Sezon Fernandez, a two-time Paralympic medalist (gold and bronze) in seated shot put, who never misses the event.
The second wave of runners, the majority, started five minutes later.
Runners of all ages and abilities joined on closed roads secured by the municipal police and traffic department.
Families with children and baby strollers also participated in support of autism awareness.
General Race Results:
Women:
1st: Katrin Asimakopoulou (Orizory Properties) – 18:18
2nd: Agoritsa Karagianni (Marathonodromoi Serron) – 21:02
3rd: Kleanthi Karatzannou – 21:23
Men:
1st: Konstantinos Papacharalambous (GS Glyfadas) – 17:12
2nd: Konstantinos Rompos (ALMAE) – 17:48
3rd: Alexandros Efremiadis (VG Distance Runners) – 18:04
Medals were awarded to men and women in all age groups, up to the 70+ category.
The general awards were presented by Mayor Konstantellos and Ms. Ada Stamatatou, President and Founder of Race for Autism Gr.
Age category awards were presented by Deputy Mayor Ms. Nana Karagian, MP Mr. Oikonomou, and dedicated supporters of the Municipality who contribute every year to the success of the event.
Team Awards – Top 3 Largest Group Registrations:
1st: Propeller Club Port of Piraeus – 97 runners
2nd: REHFUEL – 60 runners
3rd: LMK SUPERSONICS – 38 runners
Honorary Recognitions for long-standing support:
• Municipality of VVV
• Lifeguard Hellas
• Boarding House “Chará”
• VIKOS
• Bella Frutta Orsero
• GU Energy Greece
• ISUZU Petros Petropoulos SA
• Trexe Mazi Mou (Team)
• Jambol Agapis (Team)
• MDA Hellas with Finish Liners
• Wellbeing
Sponsors:
• VIKOS provided water and soft drinks to over 1,700 participants and supporters for the third consecutive year.
• Masoutis joined as a new sponsor with the touching motto: “Here for you, in action!”
• Zepos & Yannopoulos law firm supported both financially and with a strong team of runners.
• Eurobank Asset Management AEDAK was a consistent sponsor for the third year.
• GU Energy Greece (via Third Wind) offered energy gels and added a PILLAR Performance magnesium sachet in the runner’s kit.
• Bella Frutta Orsero once again provided delicious bananas for all finishers.
• Lifeguard Hellas volunteer lifeguards ensured medical assistance, as always.
• ISUZU Petros Petropoulos SA provided vehicles for transporting volunteers with disabilities from the boarding house “Chará” to Vouliagmeni, coordinated once again by Ms. Maria Kardamaki, Senior Marketing Executive.
New sponsors this year included Orizory Properties and Alpha Marine.
Media Sponsors:
Runner Magazine
Runntrailgr
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