From the Woodlands to Athens, Greece

Finishing a marathon is an accomplishment of its own, but to say you finished at the Panathinaikon Stadium built for the first of the modern Olympics in 1896 in Athens, Greece, is another. Doctors Ronald Henry, John Giannakis and Paul Kenworthy from Northwoods Urology traveled to Athens, Greece to participate in the Athens Classic Marathon on November 9, 2008. Greece, being home to Dr. Giannakis, offered our doctors a great experience and hospitality.

As runners of the marathon, they followed the path of the soldier who, in 490 BC, ran from the town of Marathon to Athens to deliver a message of victory in battle. Further on, the course takes runners back into Athens history thru the War Memorial for those that fought during the Marathon Battle. “The location in Athens was a true reminder of the powerful story of human history and the birthplace of democracy. Seeing all of the edifices thousands of years old and walking in areas, and also where the apostle Paul walked was humbling and empowering” said Dr. Kenworthy.

Running and competing is a passion for Dr. Henry and Dr. Kenworthy that Dr. Giannakis was able to share in his own country. “Not that it wasn’t a challenge, but the run wasn’t as difficult as I had originally expected” – Giannakis. The course, being named one of the toughest courses in the worlds was described as “a great experience and sense of accomplishment” by Dr. Henry who also competed in the Boston Marathon in 2006.

“To experience these sites with friends and partners in practice as well gives it something that I am truly thankful for. There are not many practices like ours where partners who are also friends could have this type of trip.” – Dr. Kenworthy said. The doctors look forward to the next time they have a chance to relive an experience like this one.