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Spartathlon
Estimated date — the organiser has not announced the exact day yet
The Spartathlon has been held since 1983 in late September and retraces the route of Pheidippides, who according to Herodotus ran from Athens to Sparta seeking help before the Battle of Marathon. Around 246 km must be covered in under 36 hours with strict intermediate cut-offs, and only runners with demanding qualifying results get in, so the field is small and very strong. The start is beneath the Acropolis, then comes the coast near Corinth, the vineyards and olive groves of the Peloponnese, a night crossing of the Sangas pass on Mount Parthenion (about 1,200 m) and the long road to Sparta. The finish is a ritual touch of King Leonidas's statue at the end of Sparta's main street, where schoolgirls in chitons present a laurel wreath and water. Sparta is the gateway to Byzantine Mystras, and Athens offers the Acropolis, Plaka and endless tavernas.
Course records
Weather in September
Starter pack 2025
- bib with timing chip
- finisher medal
- technical t-shirt
- goody bag
Pacers & bib pickup
Run with locals
An easy run with a local club the day before the race — the best way to shake out the legs and meet the city.