SPARTATHLON is one of the most difficult as well as the most historical ultra-distance running races in the world. It takes place in September of every year in Greece and follows the route of Pheidippides, an ancient Athenian long distance runner, who in 490 BC, before the battle of Marathon, was sent from Athens to Sparta to seek help in the war between the Greeks and the Persians. The runners must finish this gruelling race of 246 kilometers in no more than 36 hours. This year, 360 athletes from whom 315 are men and 45 women, from 42 countries will participate in this unique event. Here is a photo of the start of this years race from the base of the Acropolis, just before 7.00am this morning.Somewhere in all those people is our own Marios Fournaris who is competing for an incredible 24th (!!) time. having completed the race on 13 occassions. Weather conditions were particularly adverse today with heavy rain this morning, but Marios has already passed Megara - 42kms from Athens and equivalent to a marathon - in just over 4 hours and is powering on toward Corinth.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:51:38 +0000
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