“The marathon is a philosophy of life. It is a battle of mind and body, of mental endurance and trial. No marathon is ever the same.” 

In April 1998 Maria Polizou travelled to the United States to participate for the first time in the historic Boston Marathon — the oldest marathon event in the world outside of the Olympic Games, held annually since 1897. At one of the peak moments in her athletic career, in top form and achieving some of her best race times, she had set the bar high for this race, aiming to finish close to 2 hours and 30 minutes. In the end, she crossed the finish line in 2:42:53. That race marked the beginning of a new chapter, as a few months later she went on to set the Greek national record with a time of 2:33:40—a record that still stands today, nearly 28 years later. 

On Monday, April 21, 2025, Maria Polizou returns to the capital of Massachusetts to take part in this iconic race once again. The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious for any long-distance runner, thanks to its rich history and tradition. But for Maria, it’s more than that: it’s a personal challenge that blends athletic effort with inner strength, turning the race into a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Maria Polizou shares her thoughts: 

Preparing for the race 

Preparing for a marathon isn’t just about daily training. Shorter races, like half-marathons or 10K runs, are essential for building endurance and improving overall fitness. It’s important to push yourself at a faster pace than your usual marathon rhythm. 

These races also help test your gear. Shoes are the most important tool for any runner. They need to be performance-ready and fit perfectly. The Proto Runner 1 has managed to give me the ideal balance between performance and comfort. 

Staying connected to the running community 

Taking part in races not only strengthens my body, It also lifts my spirits. As part of my preparation for every big race, I make a point of traveling to different cities across Greece, where I meet new runners, talk with them, and stay closely connected. The running community is eager to learn and share experiences. 

I also find great joy in visiting schools and organizations to inspire young people and children to get into running and sports. My recent experience in Samos, where I took part in the 8th International Half-Marathon “Pythagoras of Samos,” was truly unforgettable. Over the three days I spent there, I connected with many locals and children, and their excitement for running and sports filled me with energy. Winning first place in that race was proof of just how much motivation and strength comes from engaging with people before a race. 

How I feel before the Boston Marathon 

Even though I’ve already run the Boston Marathon twice—back in 1998 and again in 2008—I still feel the same excitement and nerves as if it were my first time. That happens before every race, no matter how many marathons I’ve done. Each one is different, with its own thoughts, weather, and emotions. That’s why I make sure I’m fully prepared for anything. I pay close attention to my nutrition, race strategy, and overall preparation so I can be in the best shape possible. 

In Boston, the Greek-American community is my biggest source of support. They’re thrilled to see a Greek athlete running with the national emblem on her chest, and that gives me a huge boost. I’m especially proud to be wearing ena’s shoes, which are inspired by Greece’s rich athletic heritage. 

Boston also holds a special place for Greek sports history. Early on in the marathon route, there’s a sculpture called the ‘Spirit of the Marathon’, showing Stelios Kyriakides running with Spyros Louis beside him, guiding him toward victory. 

The motivation behind every mile 

My love for running, the support I receive from those around me, and my connection to the running community are what keep me going. Every mile I run is also in support of ELIZA, an organization working to protect children from abuse and neglect. That’s what drives me forward. 

Every step, every mile, is a chance to prove to myself that I can push past my limits. With the backing of ena athletics and the encouragement of the running community, I truly feel I can reach my goals. 

Nothing is impossible—as long as you never give up.