SPARTATHLON (246K/153M)

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NOTES: The Event Date/Time entry is for the purpose of letting you know how current the provided information is. This it not a race calendar, and while I will attempt to keep the information current, it will not always be possible. The course information is supplied by RDs, ultra runners and other interested parties, and while everyone attempts to provide accurate information, **IT HAPPENS! Always check with the Race Director for the latest information.

Location: Peloponnese, Greece
Nearest Town(s): Athens/Corinth/Tripolis/Sparta
Event Date/Time: September 27-28, 2002 7AM; Annually on the last weekend of September at 07:00 am Friday.
Course Type: Point to point, Start Athens; Finish Acropolis
Surface: Tarmac road, dirt road, rough trail & mountain footpath
Description: Back in 490BC military courier Pheidippedes (better known for his much shorter run from Marathon to Athens) was despatched from Athens to seek the help of the Spartans against the Persian hordes at the impending battle of Marathon. The race is run under police and medical supervision with physiotherapists and full medical assistance being on call throughout the race. The race is very demanding, not only because of the distance but also for the cut-off requirements and weather conditions. Typical mid-afternoon temperatures can reach 30o C (86 o F) and 6 o C (43 o F) during the nighttime crossing of the mountains in the Peloponnese. The early part of the route between Athens and Corinth consists of a fast series of climbs and descents and at times the road literally clings to the cliffs overlooking the sea. The cut off at Corinth is considered by many runners to be particularly severe, however statistics prove that this is necessary to ensure that the race does not get overly drawn out in the early and mid sections. There are two main climbs and ascents that need some consideration, the first starts at 149 km - 93 miles and rises 917 meters - 3000 feet in the next 10 km - 6 miles. Following this there is a period of brief respite (36 km - 22 miles) and then the start of the second at 195 km - 121 miles. The first climb is undertaken in the hours of darkness in cool mountain conditions but the second and longer distance climb (rises 335 meters - 1,100 feet over a distance of 22 km - 14 miles) can prove to be a problem for the mid-placed or late runner due to the heat of the second day.
Elevation Change: Course rises from sea level to 1.100 meters (3,600 feet). Steep climb starts at 149 km (93 miles) at elevation 183 meters (600 ft) and rises 917 meters (3,000 ft) in 29 km (18 miles). Final 2.5 km (1.6 miles) is over steep grade A mountain footpath.
Altitude Range: 0'- 3600'
Longest Climb: 1100' over 14M at M121
Time Limit/Cutoffs: Corinth 81 km (51 miles) - 9 1/2 hours Mountain: 159km (99 miles) - 22 hours Sparta Finish: 246 km (153 miles) - 36 hours
Aid Stations: Full service stations every 3 to 5 km Runners support teams allowed after Corinth (85 km)
Website: SPARTATHLON
Race Director: International Spartathlon Association Kodrou 7, Plaks, GR-100 33 Athens, Greece P.O. Box 301 25 Athens - Greece. Tel: +301 322 7485 Fax: +301 600 4855 E-Mail
Additional Information: Entrance closes May of each year. For Entry Form see Spartathlon web site or apply directly to Race Director. Typical temperatures: Day 30 C - Night 10 C
Submitted By: Keith Ledgard

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