The Spartathlon covers an arduous and demanding route of 246 kilometres. It takes place on the last Friday in September and attracts great athletes and many visitors. It is held in memory of another of Pheidippides’ great achievements, as recorded by Herodotus. According to the historical text, Pheidippides ran this distance to ask for help from the Spartans on behalf of the Athenians. Herodotus informs us that Pheidippides arrived in Sparta the day after his departure from Athens.

The revival of this race has become renowned among long-distance athletes and there are always a remarkable number of entrants. People line the route wishing to enjoy at first hand their tremendous effort. The race was started by the enthusiasm and persistence of some men of vision, like the director Francis Carabott, who filmed unique documentaries from the first of these events.