Take a strong desire for change. And throw in some like minded runners and cyclists who happen to be animal lovers. That’s what it takes to complete the Penny Marathon, an annual 42-kilometre run, cycle and roll event held in Athens and Sydney in July that aims to raise awareness of the plight of stray animals in Greece.

Although there are no official statistics, some figures suggest that there are around 500,000 stray cats and dogs in Greece, largely a result of abandoning animals or ‘street dumps’ when owners lose interest. When you consider an un-spayed animal can generate several litters a year of around six kittens and pups each time, the numbers skyrocket very quickly. These animals are largely expected to fend for themselves.

The marathon – now in its third year – is named after a small dog that was probably abandoned. Although she tried, Penny ultimately failed to survive the streets of Athens and her life came to a tragic end; the fate of many animals like her.

“We’re runners. We’re also people who care for stray animals,” says John Spinoulas, who manages the event in Athens. “We run in honour of all the Pennys but also out of profound respect for the many Greeks that carry the burden of trying to help these voiceless four-legged Greeks.”

The Penny Marathon started in Athens in 2012, when a handful of runners completed the original route from Marathon to Athens. Last year, this number spiked to 70, with more expected to participate this year. It has now become an international event, with a team now running in Australia, and is likely to grow and spill into other cities and countries in years to come.

The point of the marathon, says John, is to raise a bit of money but the main driver is to raise awareness. “For us – the people involved – it’s also an unconventional way to build solidarity and hope, especially when constantly confronted with despair, sadness and loss in the fight to save the lives of these animals,” he adds.

To learn more about the Penny Marathon visit www.pennymarathon.com