20 SEPTEMBER 2007 / Spartathlon race starts on September 28

For the fourth consecutive year, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation is supporting the Spartathlon race, which will be run by 385 male and female athletes from around the world. This year is the 25th anniversary of the reenactment of the historic marathon, which was initiated by John Fodden 25 years ago. This year’s race will begin from the Propylaia, on Friday, September 28, at 07:00, and will finish at Sparta on Saturday, September 29 around 19:00.

  

Spartathlon is one of most difficult and rewarding long distance races in the world.  The race is famous for its historic background; it was named after the Herodotus narration of the Marathon battle. The great historian, while describing details from the battlefield years later, mentioned a heroic deed performed by Pheidipides, an Athenian racer who managed to reach Sparta “one day after his departure from Athens.”  

  

The race’s revival has been established as one of the leading athletic events worldwide. Outstanding names in long distance marathoning will come from Japan, Australia, the U.S.A., Canada and many European countries to run the unique and difficult route of 246 klm from Athens to Sparta.  The Stavros Niarchos Foundation also supported the organization of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 races.