Fitness Coach to Represent Team Greek America at Chicago Marathon

From football to running, Jeff Vargas has been an athlete since he can remember.

He decided to make a career out of it when he took up personal training. Now, as an assistant manager and coach at a Tarpon Springs-based health club, he is full-time fitness.

With all of his athletic ability, Vargas says that he never considered himself a distance runner. He was a sprinter in college at Kutztown University, but the Oct. 7 Chicago Marathon — where Vargas will represent Team Greek America — will mark his very first marathon.

In previous years, Vargas had planned to run in marathons on two separate occasions, but injuries led him to cancel his plans. 

Even on this journey, Vargas has suffered physical setbacks, but he insists on going for it.

"I'm actually about three weeks behind in training from this last injury," explained Vargas. "At this point, I just want to finish."

Vargas started an online donation fund for his trip to Chicago. He seeks to raise $1,500 by the time he leaves next week. Right now, he is almost halfway there.

Representing Team Greek America

From his father's side, Vargas is half Greek American. Vargas was the name given to his family when they arrived in New York because Varzakakos wouldn't cut it, he said.

When Vargas heard about Team Greek America, he was drawn to the organization. The group's goals include donating proceeds to the Hellenic Legacy Scholarship Endowment. The fund provides internships in Greece for college students, giving a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

Not only is the Chicago Marathon Vargas' first marathon, it will be the first official race of Team Greek America as well.

Vargas makes frequent visits to his home in Greece. When he attends the monthly events at the sponge docks like the Night in the Islands, Vargas said, "it makes me homesick." 

Nonetheless, he can't get enough of the "Greece away from Greece" in Tarpon Springs.

Help Send Vargas Off at Paul's Shrimp House

As Vargas celebrates his 51st birthday on Saturday, he will also be hosting a party at Paul's Shrimp House in hopes of raising the necessary funds for the marathon. He isn't one to ask for money, he said. There will be free food, a free raffle and everyone's first draft beer or soda will be on Vargas.

"I'm not going to walk around with my hand out or anything like that," Vargas said.

The event is open to the public and Vargas hopes to see many new faces. The party is from 7-9 p.m.

Folks can keep up with Vargas on Facebook during his journey.