Alexi Pappas gets a race named after her at San Francisco Marathon

2016 Olympian and renowned running author and influencer Alexi Pappas has joined forces with her hometown race, the San Francisco Marathon. On July 5, the San Francisco Marathon announced a multi-year partnership with Pappas, naming the 10K race in her honour.

The race said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce the 10K will be now known as the Alexi Pappas SFM 10K, a race overflowing with excitement, fun, and of course, glitter!”

Pappas has always had a strong connection to San Francisco’s Bay Area, growing up in nearby Alameda, Calif., and attending Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. From there she went on to run at Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon before making the Greek Olympic team in the women’s 10,000m for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“Like every other ten-year-old, I wished for my own 10k race. My wish has come true,” wrote Pappas in excitement on Instagram.

Despite hanging up her competitive racing shoes in 2020, Pappas has continued to use her platform to inspire other women and help make running an inclusive space for all. Throughout her career, Pappas has been outspoken about her struggle with depression, calling for better care of elite athletes’ mental health. In 2021, her first book, Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas, was published, highlighting her triumphs and challenges in sports and life, and encouraging readers to be “braveys” in pursuing their passions.

The Alexi Pappas 10K race is scheduled to take place on July 23 as a part of the San Francisco Marathon weekend. The race will also have custom medals and T-shirts designed by Pappas.