Yiannis Kouros – 1983 to 2000’s
Believed by many in the ultra circle as the world’s greatest endurance athlete of his time, Kouros’ record breaking times have set the benchmark for ultra runners across the globe. He holds world records for 24 hours (303.506kms, Adelaide 1997), 48 hours (473.495kms, Surgeres 1996), 6 days (1036kms, Colac 2005), 1000kms (5d 16:17, Colac 2005) and 1000 miles (10d 10:30, New York 1998), while the 1983 Spartathlon 245kms saw him victorious in 21:53:42.
Kouros ran Spartathlon three more times (1984, 1986 and 1990) winning each and every one, and today they remain the four fastest times in the 36-year history of the event.
As well as setting world records, Kouros became a well-recognised hero amongst the general Australian population when he won the 875kms Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon no less than five times between 1985 and 1990.
Born in Greece, Kouros moved to Australia in the 1980s and became an Australian citizen; he has since returned to live in the country of his birth. He was awarded AURA’s Male Ultra Runner of the Year in 2002.
Inducted 2019.
See this article in UltraMag celebratin Yiannis’ achivements.
Yiannis Kouros – 1983 to 2000’s