About the race
The Spartathlon is a 246 km ultramarathon from Athens to Sparta in Greece. It is run in September and is widely regarded as one of the hardest and most demanding ultra-distance races in the world.
History
The race recreates the journey of Pheidippides, the Athenian messenger who, according to Herodotus, reached Sparta the day after leaving Athens to ask for help before the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. In 1982 John Foden and four fellow Royal Air Force officers tested the idea, and three of them completed the distance. The first open international race was held in 1983 with 44 men and one woman from twelve countries. The organiser says the International Association Spartathlon has run it every September since 1984. The 2026 race was held on 26 and 27 September.
The course
The start is at 07:00 at the foot of the Acropolis, near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Runners head west along the coast of the Megara Gulf, and the first major checkpoint is the Corinth Canal at 80 km. They continue past ancient Corinth and cross the Isthmus into the Peloponnese. The hardest mountain section is Mount Parthenion, a 1,200 m ascent followed by a descent into Sparta. The route is long, hilly and exposed to Greek heat in the day and cold at night. Seventy-five checkpoints mark the way.
Distances and limits
The distance is 246 km, roughly six marathons back to back. Runners have 36 hours to finish, and those who fail to meet checkpoint time cut-offs are withdrawn for safety. Non-finishers are collected by bus and taken to Sparta together.
Entry basics
The field is limited to 400, and most applicants enter through a lottery. The organiser published its 2026 lottery list in March 2026, and its menu includes terms of participation, a participation list, an FAQ, a road book and race rules. Check the organiser for the date of the next edition.
Where to watch
Many runners have their own crews who resupply them at checkpoints, though crew support points are limited. The start at the Acropolis in Athens and the finish in Sparta are the easiest places to see athletes, while the checkpoint at the Corinth Canal marks the first big milestone.
Weather
Late September in southern Greece is usually still hot by day and noticeably cooler through the night, with the possibility of rain. The 36-hour race crosses a full day and night, so conditions change across the route.
SourcesSpartathlon · Wikipedia: Spartathlon