Real Greek Dairies at the OPAP Marathon Expo 2024
OPAP Marathon Expo 2024 & Real Greek Dairies
The countdown to the Athens Authentic Marathon has begun! This is the 41st edition of the Athens Authentic Marathon, and as in previous years, participants will collect their race materials at the Marathon Expo, the largest sports exhibition of the year. Every year, more than 70,000 runners, fitness enthusiasts, and sports tourism professionals visit the exhibition.
The OPAP Marathon Expo has become an integral part of the Athens Authentic Marathon, featuring over 180 booths and exhibitors. At the Expo, you’ll find companies related to sports, discover new products and services, and stay informed about the latest developments in running and beyond!
The exhibition will take place from November 6th to 9th, 2024, at the indoor venue of the P. Faliro Exhibition Center (formerly Tae Kwon Do Indoor Arena). Real Greek Dairies will be present throughout the OPAP Marathon Expo, and we invite you to visit our booth to learn more about our company and products. Our booth number is 51. There, you’ll have the opportunity to sample our products, purchase them at special prices, and learn about their unique health benefits.
Real Greek Dairies
Real Greek Dairies belongs to the Hellenic Protein Group – Hellenic Protein. The group is the largest producer of sheep & goat protein in the world, with major exports to China, the Netherlands, and the USA. Real Greek Dairies was created to address the need for retail market. Our goal is to create products that are natural, rich in nutrients, and that combine tradition with innovation.
For this reason, at Real Greek Dairies, we personally collect milk from Greek farmers and process it under strict controls and international quality standards.
Our products have been carefully studied and are eligible to carry health claims on their labels. Goat and sheep milk, in particular, offer unique health benefits on their own.
Our products are divided into three categories:
Sheep – goat protein & protein snacks
Click on each category to view the products!
The history of the Athens Authentic Marathon
The Athens Marathon is not just a race, but a global athletic and cultural event that attracts thousands of runners from around the world every year. The race takes place every November, with participants ranging from professional athletes to amateurs who want to experience the historic route.
But why is it called the “Classic Course” and the “Authentic Marathon“?
In 490 BC, during the Battle of Marathon, the small Athenian army won a decisive victory against the Persians. The legend says that an Athenian soldier named Pheidippides was sent to deliver the news of the victory from Marathon to his fellow citizens in Athens. This meant he had to cover a distance of about 42 kilometers. According to the myth, when he finally reached Athens, he was so exhausted that he managed only to exclaim, “We have won,” before collapsing and dying from exhaustion.
Info: In marathon races, official national or world records are not recognized by the IAAF (now World Athletics) if the course does not meet specific criteria. This is because marathon races can be held on various courses with significant differences in elevation, terrain, and inclines.
Thus, the Athens Classic Marathon follows the original route of Pheidippides, starting from the Marathon Tomb and ending at the historic Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro). The Panathenaic Stadium is an ancient monument, restored for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It was during these Games that the French scholar and historian Michel Bréal proposed the creation of a race to honor the legendary journey of the ancient messenger Pheidippides.
The 1896 Olympic Marathon was approximately 40 kilometers long, based on the distance between Marathon and Athens.
The first winner of the Olympic Marathon was the Greek runner Spyridon Louis. His victory was a proud moment for Greece, as the country was hosting the first modern Olympic Games, and his win in a race inspired by Greek history held symbolic importance.
Louis, a simple water carrier from Marousi and not a professional athlete, became a national hero and a symbol of determination through his endurance and perseverance— a legacy that lasts to this day. The second-place finisher was also Greek, track athlete Charilaos Vasilakos. Although there were many rumors questioning Louis’s first-place finish, nothing was ever proven historically.
Η είσοδος του Λούη στο Καλλιμάρμαρο, το 1896 – Louis’ Entrance into the Panathenaic Stadium in 1896, sansimera.gr
Spyridon Louis never ran in another race after his victory at the Olympic Games. It is even said that his motivation was not personal glory, but to win for the love of his beloved Eleni. At that time, the poor Spyridon Louis could not marry Eleni because her mother wanted her to have a better future. After his victory, Louis became famous and married Eleni.
Since then, the marathon has been established as a regular event in the Olympic Games and remains one of the most popular and iconic sports. In the 1908 London Olympics, the marathon distance was set at 42.195 kilometers, which is still used today as the official length of the marathon course.
Although it was included in the Olympic Games, it was not until 1972 that it began to be organized as an annual race. This year marks the 41st edition, as there have been cancellations in some years, such as during the Covid pandemic or the financial crisis.
Η έναρξη του Μαραθωνίου της Αθήνας το 2023 – από τον επίσημο ιστότοπο, The start of the Athens Marathon in 2023 – from the official website
The course is extremely demanding, with many uphill sections, particularly in the final kilometers, which makes the Athens Marathon one of the most challenging in the world. For this reason, the official race organization recommends that “participants undergo a recent medical examination before taking part in the race. Special attention should be given by those who have any type of heart condition. Furthermore, it is advised that all participants, regardless of age, undergo a complete cardiac check-up before participating in the race.”
Today, the Athens Marathon is considered one of the most iconic events worldwide. It remains a symbol of endurance and courage while honoring the memory of the historic victory at Marathon and the legend of Pheidippides. The course embodies the spirit of competition, inviting every runner to become part of history and experience a unique journey.
Check out the products you will find at the OPAP Marathon Expo 2024:
Real greek protein
Sheep & Goat Whey Protein 1kg - WPCThe classic favorite protein powder, Real Greek Whey 80, is 100% Greek goat and sheep whey protein. It has a protein content of 82% in natural, pure form.
Real greek protein
Protein Carob Cookie with Orange & HoneyCarob Biscuit with Orange and Honey Flavor. A healthy, high-protein snack made from goat and sheep whey protein. Ideal for daily consumption between meals.
Ζoe means life
Biofunctional food in powder form - FamilyBiofunctional food, it helps in healthy bone and tissue growth and maintenance, as well as in maintaining the normal function of the immune and nervous systems.
Real greek protein
Sheep and Goat Whey Protein 2kg & Banana FlavorThe Real Greek Whey 80 sheep and goat whey protein with banana flavor comes in a large 2kg package. It contributes daily to achieving your nutritional goals.
Real greek protein
Sheep and Goat Whey Protein 1kg & Cookie FlavorThe Real Greek Whey 80 - sheep and goat whey protein with a cookie flavor provides all the benefits of whey protein and satisfies the craving for something sweet.
Aria
Pure Goat Milk Powder 600gPure, 100% Greek goat milk in powder form. A food rich in vitamins & nutrients without additives and preservatives. Ideal for daily consumption and for the whole family.
Real greek protein
Sheep and Goat Whey Protein 1kg & Banana FlavorThe Real Greek Whey 80 - Sheep and Goat Whey Protein with Banana flavor offers a delightful taste experience with all the benefits of whey protein.
