9th AUTHENTIC PHEIDIPPIDEUS ROAD ATHENS–SPARTA–ATHENS 490 km

November 20–24, 2025

Official Announcement

The Athletic & Cultural Club “Authentic Phidippides Run” announces the organization of the 9th Authentic Phidippides Run, a 490 km ultra race from Athens to Sparta and back, taking place November 20–24, 2025.

The 8th edition was held under the auspices of the Region of Attica, General Secretariat of Sports, and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), and with approval from SEGAS (Hellenic Athletics Federation).

This race symbolizes:

• The ancient Greek ideal of fair play (“ευ αγωνίζεσθαι”)

• The historic route of Phidippides, and

• Environmental awareness in local communities

The organizing body is also responsible for a parallel environmental program committed to sustainable use of natural resources, minimizing environmental impact, and managing waste responsibly.

Race Duration

• Total Time Limit: 98 hours

• Start: November 20, 2025 – 06:00 AM (Ancient Agora, Athens)

• Finish: November 24, 2025 – 08:00 AM (Ancient Agora, Athens)

Route Overview

• Athens → Elefsina → Megara → Ancient Corinth → Agios Vasileios → Ancient Cleonae → Nemea → Malandreni → Lyrkeia → Karya → Artemisium (1,227 m) → Nestani → Tegea → Sparta (Statue of Leonidas)

• Return to Athens via the same exact route

• Total Distance: 490 km

• The most historically faithful re-creation of Phidippides’ ancient route

Main Checkpoints & Time Limits

Athens → Sparta (245.6 km / 43 hours):

• Megara – 39.8 km – 5:30h

• Kinetta (rest point) – 54.9 km

• Examilia – 46.6 km – 7:00h

• Nemea – 32.5 km – 5:30h

• Nestani – 51.0 km – 11:00h

• Tegea – 24.0 km – 4:00h

• Sparta – 51.7 km – 10:00h

Sparta → Athens (244.4 km / 55 hours):

• Tegea – 51.7 km – 14:15h

• Nestani – 24.0 km – 4:45h

• Nemea – 51.0 km – 11:45h

• Examilia – 32.5 km – 7:00h

• Megara – 46.6 km – 9:30h

• Kinetta (rest point) – 435.1 km

• Finish (Ancient Agora) – 39.8 km – 7:45h

Timing & Monitoring

• Electronic timing system with checkpoints

• GPS live tracking with SOS button provided by GPS Events Tracking

• Link for live tracking will be announced before the race

Nutrition & Aid

• 79 aid tables along the route

• Central stations offer hot meals, including vegetarian options

• Runners may deposit personal nutrition to 11 key stations, properly labeled with BIB number & table number

• Personal and crew supplies are subject to inspection

Support is only allowed at official aid tables and from 30 meters distance. Outside assistance = disqualification

Participation Requirements

No race qualifications required

This race welcomes anyone with the dream and responsibility to face the challenge.

Other Requirements:

• Valid medical certificate (within 6 months of race start)

• Registration fee payment within 1 month of registration or by September 15, 2025, latest

Participation Fee (for residents of Greece, 50% discount)

PeriodFeeConditionsUntil Feb 15, 2025€250Early birdFeb 16 – May 15, 2025€300RegularMay 16 – Sep 14, 2025€350Late

Bank Details:

• Bank: Alpha Bank

• IBAN: GR1601408980898002786010726

• BIC: CRBAGRAA

• Beneficiary: Maria Skitzi

Proof of residence in Greece may be required.

Participation Fee Includes:

• Bib number

• Electronic timing

• Finisher’s medal & diploma

• Finisher gift

• Commemorative T-shirt

• Transport of gear to checkpoints

• Medical services during race

• Return transport for DNFs

• Water, isotonic drinks, snacks, fruits

• Hot meals at 11 central aid stations

• Vegetarian & meat options

• GPS tracker with SOS

🚫 Fee does NOT cover hotels, crew meals, or meals outside the race menu

Registration

Apply by September 14, 2025 via: https://authenticphidippidesrun.com/registrations/index.php/en

Cancellation Policy

• Refunds available until September 14, 2025 (bank fees excluded)

• From September 15, only deferral to the next year allowed (excluding tracker, shirt, medal, and other fixed costs)

Awards

• Top 3 men and top 3 women

• Special finisher awards:
  – Youngest (<26 y.o.)
  – Oldest (>62 y.o.)
  – First Greek male/female

• All finishers receive: medal, diploma, shirt, and finisher gift

Medical Support

• Full medical coverage along the route from doctors, EMTs, and EKAB

• Hospitals on standby: ATTIKON, Thriasio, Corinth, Argos, Tripoli (Evangelistria), Sparta

Bag Storage

Secure storage for personal belongings will be available.

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