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Athens & Sydney Hold Penny Marathon

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The Penny Marathon that advocates for animal rights, was held in Athens and Sydney on July 13th, and attracted more than 100 runners, bicyclists, one swimmer, and former stray dogs.

Swimmer Nicole Tryfona swam consistently for five and a half hours from Alimos to Vouliagmeni beach, where she was greeted by other participants who had just finished the Marathon's 42 kilometers.

As reported by Neos Kosmos, Tryfona stated: "It is an event that takes place to help stray animals, and that's the same reason I undertake every swimming race, so I said yes without second thought!"

The seasoned swimmer added: "The experience was very special...There are no words to describe the emotion that I felt at the warm reception I received from the supporters at the end. It was a moment that will stay etched in my memory forever."

2014 marks the Penny Marathon's third year, whose name honors a stray dog that was killed. The original route ran from Marathon to Athens and served as a fundraiser for abused and stray animals. Worldwide attention was granted to the Marathon via the internet, with Australia taking part in the race as of last year. It has been reported that Bulgaria, New Zealand and various Greek cities want to organize a Penny Marathon next year.

Co-manager of the Athens race John Spinoulas described, "When it comes to people that want to participate, there is no standard for the Penny Marathon; that's what makes it special...There are people of all ages, experienced runners and cyclists or with little experience at all, but all with a love for animals, sports and volunteering in common. The reason they do this is to raise awareness of the problem facing Greece's stray animals in order to establish a strong animal-friendly culture for future generations."

Spinoulas added, "There was this optimistic spirit, with people everywhere, smiling and happy - despite the difficult conditions of the heat - and with former stray animals with their proud owners in the crowd; all with positive comments and a positive outlook. It was priceless."

(Source: neoskosmos.com)