At ena, our mission is to inspire resilience, high performance, and a connection to Greece’s athletic heritage. We are honored to introduce two remarkable athletes who embody our core values: Maria Polyzou and Kostas Houvardas. Their dedication, achievements, and spirit align seamlessly with ena’s mission, making them the perfect representatives of our brand.
Maria Polyzou: The “Marathon Woman of Greece”
Maria Polyzou is a legend in Greek athletics. Known as the “Marathon Woman of Greece,” Maria has pushed the boundaries of endurance running. She was the first Greek woman to complete the iconic 524km Athens – Sparta – Athens – Marathon route, paying homage to the legacy of Pheidippides. Her journey transcends athletic accomplishment, embodying resilience—a core value at ena. Maria’s inspiring story of overcoming health challenges and adversity continues to motivate runners worldwide, proving that true strength lies in the ability to persist.
Kostas Houvardas: A Multi-Talented Athlete and Mentor
Kostas Houvardas is an accomplished long-distance runner and coach with a list of achievements both in Greece and internationally. Recently, he published EΠTA, a book detailing his impressive feat of running seven marathons in seven weeks, each under three hours. Kostas’s dedication, discipline, and passion for mentorship make him an inspiring role model for emerging athletes. His drive to push limits and guide others perfectly aligns with ena’s vision of building a community rooted in resilience and high performance.
Why Maria and Kostas Represent ENA
At ena, we’re more than just a brand; we’re a movement that celebrates resilience, discipline, and the love of running. Maria and Kostas are more than ambassadors – they embody the courage, tenacity, and passion that define ena’s vision and values. Their stories reinforce our commitment to empowering athletes of all levels to push boundaries and believe in their potential.
With Maria and Kostas, ena aspires to build a community of runners who share a deep connection to Greece’s athletic heritage and a relentless spirit. Their partnership with us is more than symbolic; it’s a shared mission to inspire, motivate, and cultivate a new generation of athletes, who wear ena not just for performance, but as a testament to their strength and determination.