Spartathlon

Spartathlon is a 246-kilometre (153 mi) ultramarathon race held annually in Greece since 1983, between Athens and Sparti, the modern town on the site of ancient Sparta.

The Spartathlon is based on the run of Pheidippides,[1] who ran from Athens to Sparta before the Battle of Marathon in a day and a half to seek aid against the Persians.

The Spartathlon aims to trace the footsteps of Pheidippides, an Athenian messenger sent to Sparta in 490 BC to seek help against the Persians in the Battle of Marathon.

[3] Herodotus wrote: "On the occasion of which we speak when Pheidippides was sent by the Athenian generals, and, according to his own account, saw Pan on his journey, he reached Sparta on the very next day after quitting the city of Athens.

Runners have 36 hours to run 246 kilometres (153 mi), roughly the equivalent of six consecutive marathons, between Athens and Sparti, the site of ancient Sparta.

[3] Runners ascend the 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) high Sangas mountain pass on Mount Parthenion, and then descend towards Tegea, which is about 200 kilometres (120 mi) from the start of the race.

Runners who finish the race receive a laurel wreath and water from schoolgirls dressed in chitons, and have access to medical tents.

[3] No monetary award is given to any of the finishers, but winning the race is considered prestigious and generates publicity that is helpful in attracting sponsors.

In 2018, the later stages of the race were substantially disrupted by the Medicane Zorbas, though almost all runners capable of finishing within the cut-off time were eventually able to do so.