Authentic Marathon: Pitsolis is the winner, leaving Gelaouzo second

The 39th Authentic Marathon ended with a twist and a surprise at the finale, as the big winner was Charalambos Pitsolis. The athlete of the Ilisos Gymnastics Association managed to cut the thread first with 2.23.43 leaving second the… permanent winner of the last four years, Costa Gelaouzoof Panathinaikos, who had the support of many friends of the “trefoil” who worshiped him and sang the club’s anthem along the way.

Kostas Stamoulis was third, while among the women, 26-year-old Vasiliki Konstantinopoulou of APK Neapolis, achieved an individual record with a time of 2:45.46, crossing the finish line first.

“I can not believe it. The tactic I followed went amazingly, I’m speechless. Due to the heat we started slowly, but I followed my tactics and got a really surprising win. When I saw Kostas Gelaouzo I thought ‘I can’t be that close!’ I dedicate the victory to my wife who in a few months will give me the most beautiful medal“, said the great winner, who after finishing waited for his great opponent to applaud him when he too finished his match.

For his part, Gelauzos emphasized: “The weather made it very difficult for us, it’s true. I had competed in Berlin (record breaking) and I hadn’t had time to rest as much as I should have. But I am satisfied because I gave my best. I want to congratulate Charalambos on his victory. In the end I was exhausted».

The third, Kostas Stamoulis (GAS Agriniou, 2:25.37), pointed out: “I am new to Marathon. The truth is that the temperature bothered me. It was hot. I didn’t thank him for the match. From a point on my only goal was to finish».

Among the women, Katerina Asimakopoulou (AO Mykonos) finished second, who will once again be on the podium of the Athens Authentic Marathon. The experienced runner finished in 2:50.25 and with her victory today she managed to do the Marathon and Half Marathon double, having won both titles in 2022. Ourania Rebouli, of AGES Kamiros 2009, returned to the races and to the podium after won the bronze medal among the women. With a time of 2:50:42 she entered Kallimarmaro as third and enjoyed the applause of the crowd.

All three looked emotional at the end of the course as the crowd made sure to create the right atmosphere for the finish after 42km. The crowd cheered the gymnasts during the route and especially when they reached the entrance of the Panathinaikos Stadium while their warm applause could already be heard from Herodos Attikou Street.

Vasiliki Konstantinopoulou: «I was so happy, I couldn’t believe it. I kept looking back and saying I can’t be first. I looked left and right and said it can’t be, something has happened. The truth is, my plan was to go faster, but I saw the heat and decided to go conservatively. It turned out well. I was saying after the 40th kilometer how I don’t care, I just want to finish. I was in pain all over, cramping. But once I saw the downhill, I got strength and the world gave me strength. It was a great feeling when I walked in and people were clapping and greeting them too. It was incredible. It is the second time I am running in the Athens Marathon. Last year I was 3rd in the Panhellenic Championship».

Katerina Asimakopoulou: «I am haunted by second place! I was honestly glad in my heart to see Vasiliki finish first. She is truly admirable. Congratulations to all the girls. As for me the heat got to me, I had to stop at about 10km I got some stomach pains, I was able to and got back in and at 26km it got to me again and I stopped again but I kept going. It was an episodic fight for me. People helped me a lot. I want to thank Petroutsos for helping me along the way».

Rania Rebouli: «It’s something unprecedented. I was used to it and I’m very happy because I wanted to be in the medals and I did it. It’s a good start to my comeback. I dedicate the medal to my little daughter, Anezina, my parents and everyone who supported me and believed in me to turn around and run again. My marathon start was in Kallimarmaro in 2014 and again in Kallimarmaro in 2022. I want to succeed, I want to be the Rania I was four years ago. Also, it’s been five years since I participated in the Panhellenic Championship, the last time I won was in 2017. Along the way people helped and made us feel like we were their own people, even if some people didn’t know us. The moment I approached and entered the Stadium was very emotional. The crowd was great, encouraging and helping all the runners. I wish everyone a good finish because the weather conditions were not easy. They were difficult, I personally got dehydrated, I felt that I gave more than 100% of my strength and I am happy and continue with good health».

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