36th Spartathlon Ultra-Marathon Race

Spartathlon, one of the most demanding races in the world, whose course covers a total distance of 245 km between Athens and the historic city of Sparta, will be taking place once more this September with the participation of professional long-distance runners from all over the world.

Spartathlon, which is now on its 36th year, is a 245-kilometre (153 miles) ultramarathon race held annually in Greece since 1984 and takes place between Athens and Sparta, the modern town located at the site of the former city-state of ancient Sparta. The race has its origins back in ancient times as it follows in the footsteps of Phedippides, an Athenian messenger sent to Sparta in 490 BC to seek aid against the Persians in the Battle of Marathon. According to accounts by Greek historian Herodotus, Phedippides managed to run the distance between Sparta and Athens in only a day and a half.

This year’s race, that will take place on 28-29 September 2018, kicks off at 7 am at the foot of the Acropolis Hill and finishes at 7 pm on the next day at the imposing statue of King Leonidas in Sparta. Its iconic trail takes runners through muddy paths, across vineyards and olive groves and up steep hills with its biggest challenge to this day being the 1.200-meter ascent up Mount Parthenion in the middle of the night.

For more information click here!