NEW YORK, NY –
In a landmark moment uniting history, culture, and modern athletics, the Consul General of Greece in New York, Ifigeneia Kanara, officially presented four handcrafted gold olive wreaths from Greece to the organizers of the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon during a ceremony held in Philadelphia on November 20.
For the first time in the city’s history, authentic olive wreaths connected to the ancient origins of the Marathon will crown the champions of the 2025 race—symbolically linking one of the United States’ premier marathons with its Greek heritage.
This historic initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Consulate General of Greece in New York with the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, marking the beginning of a new cultural and educational partnership that connects Greece—the birthplace of the Marathon—with the city of Philadelphia, a symbol of American democracy.
During her remarks at the presentation ceremony, Ms. Kanara emphasized the connection between Greece and Philadelphia, stating: “The Marathon is much more than an athletic event. It is a story of courage and endurance that begins in 490 BC, with the run of Phidippides from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens. It is a reminder that determination in the service of freedom can change the course of history. And it is a legacy that continues to inspire millions of people across the globe”.
Referring to the initiative, Ms. Kanara added that “this effort, which could not have been realized without the decisive support of the Federation, seeks to celebrate perseverance and athletic excellence, and, at the same time, to encourage young people to be inspired by the timeless and relevant message of the Marathon by connecting ancient history to the world they live in today. Our goal is simple: to strengthen the important ties between Greece and the city of Philadelphia and to promote cultural and educational international cooperation through sports”.
Officials of the City of Philadelphia expressed strong support for this new connection.
David G. Wilson, Chair and Deputy Managing Director, spoke about the strong bond and collaboration between Greece—the birthplace of the world’s first democracy—and Philadelphia, where American democracy was born. He warmly welcomed the Greek American community and highlighted the symbolic significance of the Marathon as a bridge between the two cultures and their shared values.
Adam Thiel, Managing Director, conveying the appreciation of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, stressed the importance of such meaningful initiatives in enhancing Philadelphia’s global presence. Concluding his remarks, Thiel stated with pride: “It is a great honor for us to receive this gift, and the champions who will wear these wreaths will carry with them the stories and values they represent”.
On behalf of the Greek American community, Judge Harry Karapalides, President of the Federation, spoke about the deeper meaning of the Marathon and the privilege of contributing to the establishment of this historic tradition in Philadelphia for the first time. He praised the initiative of the Consulate General of Greece in NY, describing it as “a gift of beauty, memory, and meaning”.
John Vasiliou, President of the Philadelphia Parade Committee 2025, expressed his pride that Philadelphia now joins cities such as Boston and Chicago, where the tradition of crowning champions with wreaths from Greece has been established for many years. He described the ceremony as “a fortunate occasion” marking the beginning of a new cultural chapter for the city.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, Marathon officials, city representatives, sponsors, and members of the Greek American community.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Official Launch of the Races
On the following day, November 21, 2025, Ms. Kanara and the CEO of Philadelphia officially opened the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, launching a three-day festival of races and athletic celebrations with thousands of participants.
A New Chapter for the Philadelphia Marathon and Greek American Relations
The olive wreaths are far more than ceremonial symbols. They represent a living bridge between two democracies, two histories, and two peoples united by shared values and a longstanding friendship.
On Sunday, when the winners of the Marathon are crowned, they will not only wear the emblem of victory but also a symbol of Greece—of democracy, resilience, and peace—values that remain profoundly relevant today.
This newly established tradition, built through collaboration between the Consulate General of Greece in New York, the local Greek American Federation, and the City of Philadelphia, is poised to grow, inspire, and unite for years to come.
