Spartathlon - from Athens to Sparta
By William Sichel
(Story dated September 30, 2005)

When Pheidippides, a Greek runner/messenger was ordered to run from Athens to Sparta in 490BC to seek reinforcements against the invading Persians, I never thought that 2,495 years later I would be attempting to run the same route just for the hell of it.

The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that the runner set off early in the morning, on the last Friday in September, from the Acropolis in Athens and arrived “the following day” in Sparta, 153 miles distant.

Following his run Pheidippides fought in the Battle of Marathon and against all the odds, the Athenians defeated the Persians. This was to be a defining moment in the history of the Ancient World. After the battle he ran from Marathon back to Athens to bring the good news “Victory is ours”. He then collapsed and died from his exertions.

Pheidippides is best remembered for this final run, from which the modern day marathon event has evolved and subsequently become such a world-wide phenomenon. That of course is another story – this story is about his less-well-known pre-battle journey from Athens to Sparta.

The Spartathlon course

In 1982, three British runners set out to see if the pre-battle run, made by Pheidippides, was feasible - could it have been done as described by Herodotus?

They set a target of 36 hours, leaving Athens early on the Friday hoping to arrive before sunset on the Saturday. They succeeded and their efforts attracted wide publicity - the following year the first “Spartathlon” race took place.

The route followed as closely as possible the original one taken by Pheidippides.

Since that first race in 1983 the Spartathlon has become one of the classic ultra-distance events. It is an annual event and can claim to be the world’s longest point-to-point race, at 153 miles in total.

It is an event that I have always wanted to attempt, partly because no Scot has ever managed to complete it and secondly because it is one of the classic ultra races with an incredible history. Because I focus primarily on the standard ultra events of 100km and now 24 hours, the season is usually taken up with those events leaving no gap at the end of September to come to Athens. This year has been different and hence my first trip to Greece for this great event.

Three main challenges facing me– the distance and hills, the temperatures and the time limits.

First, the distance itself, 246kms or 153 miles. That’s almost six back-to-back marathons or the equivalent of running from John o’ Groats to Inverness!

From my study of the course and from talking with experienced competitors the route seems to divide into three fairly equal parts. The first 50 miles is quite flat and run through built-up, urban areas from Athens to Corinth.

Although there are frequent refreshment tables set up, runners are not allowed to meet up with any support crew until Corinth at 49 miles. This won’t affect me as I am running the event unsupported, using the race refreshment tables, ‘drop bags’ along the way and supplies that I will carry myself.

The statue of King Leonidas, whose feet mark the end of the Spartathlon race.

After Corinth the terrain changes to very rural and undulating, passing through small villages. Runners are allowed to meet their supporters every eight miles or so but only at specified points along the way.

After about 100 miles and now in darkness the course reaches the mountains, starting with “the nightmarish 3,000 ft hand-over-hand climb of Mount Parthenio”.

To make matters worse the course is covered in boulders and brambles.

This ‘goat track’ is lit with hurricane lanterns and ‘glow sticks’ and would never be allowed in the UK. I’m told that this stage seems to be the crunch point of the whole race.

Following this, there is about 30 miles of ups and downs but nothing nearly as dramatic as the initial ascent over the Peloponnese Mountains. Finally, runners can look forward to a concluding 20 mile descent into Sparta where the huge statue of King Leonidas awaits. Reaching up to touch his feet will signify that the athletes have finished. A laurel wreath will be placed on the heads of those who make it to Sparta – between a third and a half of those starting in Athens won’t be so lucky. It’s obviously quite a challenge.

The second main challenge is the heat - and the cold. Temperatures for several hours during both the Friday and the Saturday can be expected to be 30 deg C and above, dropping to near freezing on the 4,000 ft mountain tops at night - that’s the same height as Mount Snowdon.

I’ve been warned that there is very little shade for the first 50 miles and that it’s wise to carry sunscreen. Drop bags need to be positioned at suitable points along the course containing important supplies and warm clothing as night approaches. Being tired and cold can finish an exhausted competitor.

Head torches and reflective materials are also a vital consideration.

Finally, the cut off points or time limits. Because this event is a point-to-point race held on the open roads there are stiff cut-off points especially in the early stages and a total race finish limit of 36 hours. There are about six main stage points along the route with the 50 miles point having to be reached in 11 hrs at the latest. Go too slowly and runners risk being timed out, but running too fast in the early stages lessens the likelihood that you will finish in Sparta - a difficult balance.

Luckily, I now have accurate fluid intake data from a very hot race - namely the World 24hr Championships in Austria in July where I failed to finish due to dehydration. Difficult to take, but a “mistake worth making,” if it leads to improved hot weather running in future. In temperatures over 25deg C I need to be drinking at least 750mls per hour to maintain hydration status as well as one electrolyte capsule per hour. I have rehearsed these intakes in long training runs on Sanday so am now ready for this.

When I’m standing on the steps of the Acropolis at 7am on Friday morning I accept that for the Spartathlon, event experience plays a big part especially with running unsupported. So, running as a first-timer puts me at a disadvantage, compared to a normal 24 hour race and to Spartathlon regulars.

They say that if you can make it to Sparta, you are “almost a god” – we shall have to wait and see if that applies to me!

• In addition to The Orcadian, William is sponsored by the Ayre Hotel, Crantit Dairy (Orkney Ice Cream), dion_networks and Loganair.