Spartathlon

The Spartathlon is an annual ultra-distance foot race that takes place in Greece. It covers the historical route from Athens to Sparta, a distance of 246 kilometers (approximately 153 miles). The event was first held in 1983 and was inspired by the legendary run of the Athenian messenger Pheidippides in 490 BC, who, according to the historian Herodotus, ran to Sparta seeking military aid before the Battle of Marathon.

The race begins at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens and finishes at the statue of King Leonidas in Sparta. Participants must navigate a challenging course that includes steep mountain passes, most notably the ascent and descent of Mount Parthenio in the dead of night, and long stretches of asphalt road. The terrain and climate present significant physical and mental tests.

A defining feature of the Spartathlon is its strict time limits. Runners must reach 75 checkpoints along the route within designated cutoff times. The overall time limit to complete the entire race is 36 hours. This demanding timeframe makes it one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world.

The race is organized by the International Spartathlon Association. Entry is highly selective, with applicants needing to meet stringent qualifying standards from other recognized ultra-marathons. The event attracts a small, elite field of ultra-distance runners from around the globe. Finishing the Spartathlon is considered a monumental achievement in the ultrarunning community, honoring both modern athletic prowess and the ancient feat that inspired it.