SPARTATHLON 2015, the international ultramarathon race, will take place on September 25 and 26. Inspired by Pheidippides, the Athenian runner-herald who, right before the Battle of Marathon (490 B.C) [watch the video] was dispatched to Sparta to seek help in fighting the Persians who had landed at Marathon, the Athens-Sparta cross-country racing route follows his footsteps, covering the 246km distance from one city to the other.

Spartathlon is a particularly demanding race, taking into account the distance, weather conditions and time limits for crossing certain check points. This year, 388 athletes from 50 countries will participate in the event. The race starts off on Friday 25 at the Acropolis and will end in the city of Sparta, before the statue of Leonidas, on Saturday 26; the award ceremony taking place in the central town square.