The Australian Ultra Runners Association’s (AURA) added the ultra Marathon runner Yiannis Kouros to its ”Hall of Fame” on Friday, honoring him for his spectacular, record-breaking career.
Some of the most amazing achievements of Kouros, who is now in his 60s, were his records while running 303 km in the space of 24 hours in Adelaide in 1997, 473 km in 48 hours in Surgeres in 1996, and 1,036 km in six days in Colac in 2005.
He also ran 1000 km in 5 days, 16 hours and 17 minutes in Colac and, in perhaps his most stunning achievement of all, ran 1000 miles in 10 days, 10 hours and 30 minutes in New York in 1998.
Kouros also ran the Spartathlon four times, in 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1990 — winning each and every one.
In addition, Kouros’ times still remain the four fastest ever clocked in the 36-year history of the event.
AURA President Rob Donkersloot declared that Kouros is nothing short of a living legend.
“Baseball has Babe Ruth, basketball has Michael Jordan, ice hockey has Wayne Gretzky, cricket has Don Bradman, ultra running has Yiannis Kouros,” he said.
“Yiannis so dominated our sport with his performances that it is unlikely some of his world records will ever be broken,” Donkersloot said. He added that “AURA is very proud to induct one of its past members in and formally recognize his incredible performances, many of which were set at events here in Australia.”
The retired endurance runner is revered in the ultrarunning community, and his induction into the Hall of Fame finally sees him taking place alongside other great athletes who have left their mark on the country including Bryan Smith, Helen Stanger and Cliff Young.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
