Meet Myrto Papachristoforou, who loves running because it makes her feel free and honors her brother Phivos’ memory.
He inspired her with his passion for sports and dedication to helping others. Running for the Association of Parents and Friends of Heart Diseased Children, she continues his legacy of kindness and giving.
This November, Myrto will run in the Larnaka Blu International Marathon, celebrating Phivos’ life and the values of love, dedication, and selflessness that he lived by.
What initially made you interested in running?
A strong sense of freedom drew me to running. When I run, I feel free—liberated in a way that resonates with many moments throughout my life. This deep, untouchable sense of freedom is something I’ve fiercely protected and cultivated. I believe it enriches my life, filling it with true meaning. I’ve been fortunate to reap the rare rewards of this choice and to share my experiences with others. My brother, with whom I grew up, played a significant role in this journey. He had a rare athletic spirit that he nurtured throughout his life, inspiring me to pursue sports from an early age.
Tell us your story, why you run.
I run to honor the inspiring life and unique spirit of my brother, Phivos. His presence and loving memory continue to influence me profoundly. Running allows me to stand by the children of the Association of Parents and Friends of Heart Diseased Children, an organization my brother held dear due to his special bond with children. Through running, I aim to support and honor the Association’s vital work.
Have you ever participated in any races or marathons for a charitable cause? What motivated you to combine running with supporting a cause?
Yes, running for charitable causes allows me to express the harmonious environment in which we were raised. Our parents instilled in us a deep sense of humanitarian value, teaching us the joy of giving, even in small ways. This value continues to guide my path, and participating in races enables me to share this joy with others. I would like to thank everyone who has supported our effort to this day.
Please give us more details if you are running for a specific cause this year.
For the past two years, I’ve participated in the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon, and I intend to run again this November in 2024. This race is a tribute to my brother’s memory and legacy—celebrating his unique path, his humanity, and the warmth with which he touched so many lives. Sports brought immense joy to his heart, and when I run for such a cause that encapsulates his life’s values—Love, Dedication, and Giving—I feel his pleasure. I carry his spirit with me in everything I do, and running in his honor keeps his memory alive.
