Spartathlon

The route is along the path originally run by Pheidippides from Athens to Sparta in 490 BC. According to the legend, Pheidippides, an Athenian messenger, was sent by his generals to Sparta in order to secure reinforcements for the depleted Athenian forces against the forthcoming Asiatic incursion. He then may have died, if he even existed at all. This event was started to see if it was possible to recreate Pheidippides’ feat. The story goes that Pheidippides arrived in Sparta on the “next day of his departure” from Athens, hence the tough 36-hour cut-off time.

The Spartathlon runs over roads, rough tracks and muddy paths, crosses vineyards and olive groves, climbs steep hillsides and, most challenging of all, takes the runners on the 4,000-foot ascent and descent of Mount Parthenio during the night. After the descent it barely gets easier for the runners as they follow around 50 miles of roads that winds up and down hills before descending into Sparta.

The AcropolisThe PropyleaThe ErechtheionThe Parthenon

Bag Drop available at Aid Stations.

Aid stations are every 2-3 miles.

The individual has finished a race of at least 100 km (62 mi) in less than 10 hours, 30 minutes. The individual has competed in an event of more than 200 kilometers (120 mi) and has completed the race. The individual has already competed in Spartathlon and has reached the checkpoint "Nestani" (172 km) in less than 24 hours, 30 minutes.

The Spartathlon offers a laurel wreath and a medal for the finishers.