Families, young athletes, and longtime community members gathered at Marple Newtown High School on Saturday, May 9, for the 49th Annual James D. Tanos–Theophilos Constantinidis Pan-Hellenic Family Track and Field Meet, hosted by AHEPA Chapter 445 “Thermopylae” of Upper Darby.
Children from across the region competed in races and field events while parents, grandparents, chapter members, and volunteers gathered around the track. The day also pointed toward next year’s milestone, when the event will mark its 50th anniversary.
Track Meet Chairman Evangelos Pappas said participation continues to recover and grow.
“We had about 120 signed up. I think we got probably closer to 100 to show,” Pappas said. “A little better turnout than last year, which was a lot better than the year before. So we’re building the event back up again and next year will be our 50th and we’re hoping to do something special for that.”
For AHEPA District Governor Timothy Vlassopoulos of District 4, the meet is part of both chapter history and his own childhood.
“This is the 49th year of the James D. Tanos, Theophilos Constantinidis, 445 track meet. It’s pretty remarkable that this has been going on for 49 years,” Vlassopoulos said. “I partook in it when I was a young kid at St. Demetrios, and the fact that this chapter keeps it alive is quite a remarkable feat.”
He said the event has always been about more than winning races.
“My father was deeply involved with this, and I ran in it as well,” he said. Looking ahead, he added, “The only wish I have for this event is that I want to see more local church participation… I will work with my chapter 445, which I am a member as well, and really gonna make a push to make the 50th anniversary special.”
District Governor Georgia Chletcos also remembered the meet from her youth.
“It is historic. It is the 49th anniversary. We are going to be 50 next year. It’s very exciting to be here,” Chletcos said. “As a young girl when I was in high school, I ran this track meet. I won the mile run. I remember memories of my family being here, my dad being at the finishing line.”
For Chletcos, the lasting image was not only the competition, but the families gathered around it.
“It’s a wonderful event, family event, a generational event,” she said. “I congratulate the AHEPA Upper Darby Chapter 445 for the hard work, not only today, but the last 49 years… When you see the smiles on the kids’ faces, it is heartwarming, and it is inspiring.”
AHEPA Chapter 445 “Thermopylae” was founded on May 6, 1970, and has long centered its work on service, education, youth programs, and Hellenic ideals. The track meet, named for James D. Tanos and Theophilos Constantinidis, has become one of the chapter’s signature annual events.
Tanos’ name remains part of the meet’s story and Philadelphia’s Greek-American history. Read Cosmos Philly’s tribute to James D. Tanos for more on his life and legacy.
That mission was visible throughout the day, from the young runners waiting for their heats to the volunteers handling registration, announcements, and event coordination. The meet had the feel of a community gathering as much as an athletic program.
The same volunteer network also supports Chapter 445’s charitable work, scholarships, and youth programs, with help from local sponsors, families, parish communities, and supporters.
Readers can learn more about AHEPA Chapter 445 “Thermopylae” at ahepa-445.org or visit the chapter’s membership page at ahepa-445.org/membership.htm. The chapter can also be reached at contact@ahepa-445.org or by mail at AHEPA Chapter 445, P.O. Box 446, Broomall, PA 19008.
With the 49th annual meet now complete, attention turns to next year’s 50th anniversary. For Chapter 445, it will be more than a round number. It will mark five decades of children running, families cheering, and a local Greek-American tradition still making room for the next generation.