Hundreds of super athletes are in Athens to test their endurance and run some 245K (153 miles) from the Acropolis to Sparta in the Peloponnese for the 42nd Spartathlon, which kicks off early in the morning on Saturday, Sept. 28.
A total of 400 ultrarunners from 55 countries will be participating in the historic race, which is organized by the International Spartathlon Association.
Participants must complete the race and reach the finish line in Sparta within the 36-hour time limit.
The annual sporting event was inspired by ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides, who ahead of the Battle of Marathon ran from Athens to Sparta in 490 BC in a day and a half seeking help against the invading Persians.
Changes and temporary road diversions will be in place on Saturday, Sept. 28 starting at 6.30 a.m. along segments of the old and new Athens-Corinth highways.
Traffic police will be on the spot to guide drivers.
Last year, Greek runner Fotis Zisimopoulos won the Spartathlon reaching the Statue of Leonidas in Sparta in 19:55:02 – the best time in the history of the event.
The 42nd Spartathlon is held under the auspices of the Greek ministries of National Defense and Tourism and the municipalities of Athens and Sparta under the supervision of the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU).
ToVima.com (To Vima English Edition) is a media sponsor of the 42nd Spartathlon.
