What? The gruelling Spartathlon is a 153-mile ultramarathon that mixes running history with modern racing
When? 26-27 September, 2014
Where? From Athens to Sparta in Greece
Why? You’ll be able to run in the footsteps of Pheidippides, the ancient Athenian long distance runner, who in 490 BC ran the colossal distance (in under two days) to seek help during war
How much? Race entry: €450 (about £355). Return flight from London Heathrow to Athens: £576. Three nights in a hotel: £144. Post-race beverage: £3.00. Total: £1,078
How tough? Extremely tough. Because of the race’s unique history and background, it is labelled as the hardest but most rewarding event in the world
What’s the record? 20:25:00 – Yiannis Kouros (Greece)
How do I enter? Well, hardly with ease. Participants have to have completed at least one of a list of prerequisites within the last three years. An example being: to have covered a distance of at least 180K in a 24hr race. If you’re a regular ultramarathoner, this may be achievable – but this is not a race for the faint-hearted.
