It all started in 1982 when four RAF friends decided to verify Herodotus’ claim that the Athenian messenger Pheidippides had run from his home city to Sparta, 250km, in 36 hours on the eve of the Battle of Marathon in 490BC. They made it in that exact time.
The race became an international September fixture the following year, in honour of the historian’s account. It ranges from sea level to 1200m (Mt Parthenio) along a combination of roads, trails and footpaths and the cut-off time for its 390 selected participants is 36 hours.
According to the organisers, only a third of runners make it to the foot of King Leonidas’ statue in the city of Sparta.
