In the Footsteps of Heroes – 102 km Ultramarathon
6/16/2025
In the Footsteps of Heroes – 102 km Ultramarathon
“In the Footsteps of Heroes” Ultramarathon – 102 km
Commemorating the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C.
Including 2 relay races:
• 2-athlete relay (51.7 km + 50.3 km)
• 4-athlete relay (24.3 km + 27.4 km + 26.5 km + 23.8 km)
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July 2025
We look forward to welcoming you with joy and anticipation on Saturday, July 26, in historic Thespies!
STARTING POINT
The 102 km race and both relays will begin at 20:00 on Saturday 26/7 from the Demophilus Monument in Thespies.
Race time limit: 16 hours for each athlete.
Finish line: The Heroes’ Monument in Thermopylae.
A.P.S. “Apollon” West Attica, in collaboration with the municipalities of Aliartos–Thespies, Livadeia, Amfikleia–Tithorea–Elateia, Lamia, and under the auspices of EOSLMA-Y, will host this historic ultramarathon. The race begins in Thespies, where King Leonidas met with the 700 Thespians led by Demophilus, and ends in Thermopylae, on the sacred ground of eternal memory and patriotic sacrifice.
In late July 480 B.C., King Leonidas of Sparta, with his 300 elite warriors, was joined by 700 Thespians, Thebans under Leontiades, and warriors from Tegea, Orchomenus, Mantinea, Mycenae, Arcadia, Phleious (Nemea), Corinth, and Locris—about 7,000 men total—who stood against the massive Persian Empire.
Though betrayed, they fell fighting and carved their place in world history, their sacrifice forever illuminating the ideals of freedom and virtue. This race, held for the eighth time, follows in their footsteps.
PRE-RACE PROGRAM – Saturday 26/7
• 18:00 – Dinner for participants offered by the Municipality of Aliartos–Thespies
• Bib pick-up, cultural activities, speeches, and athlete presentations will follow
• Events take place in Thespies Central Square
• Start of the race from the Demophilus Memorial, hero and leader of the 700 Thespians at Thermopylae
CHECKPOINTS – AID STATIONS
(With name, km from start, opening and closing times)
Askri (Main Square) – 7 km – 20:20–21:00
Aliartos (Town Hall) – 14.4 km – 20:45–22:10
Petra (opposite Zacharias Co.) – 18.3 km – 21:05–22:40
Soulinari – 24.3 km – 21:30–23:35 (Relay change for 4-runner teams)
Kalami (Resistance Memorial) – 29.4 km – 21:50–00:15
Livadeia-Orchomenos Junction – 35.4 km – 22:15–01:00
Thourio (in front of church) – 39.5 km – 22:30–01:40
Chaironeia (opposite Lion monument) – 43.3 km – 22:50–02:25
Davleia Junction – 48.3 km – 23:10–03:15
Kato Tithorea Junction – 51.7 km – 23:30–03:45 (Relay change)
Ag. Paraskevi (Square) – 57.8 km – 23:55–04:40
Kato Tithorea (Square) – 61.4 km – 00:15–05:10
Modi Junction (Rail crossing) – 65.1 km – 00:30–05:45
Modi (Square) – 69.4 km – 00:50–06:30
St. Fanourios & Mamas Chapel – 73.7 km – 01:20–07:15
Kallidromo Junction – 78.2 km – 01:35–07:55 (Relay change)
Kallidromos (Square) – 81.1 km – 01:50–08:25
Ag. Ierousalim (Mendenitsa) – 85.1 km – 02:15–09:10
Mendenitsa (Square) – 88.0 km – 02:35–09:40
Pefka – 90.4 km – 02:50–10:05
Anavra (Square) – 94.0 km – 03:10–10:45
Ag. Nikolaos – 100.0 km – 03:35–11:40
Finish: Leonidas & Demophilus Memorial – 102 km – ETA: 03:45 – Cutoff: 12:00
Avg. distance per station: 4.25 km
Avg. pace limit: 6.4 km/h
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
All runners must wear:
• Headlamps (front and back)
• Reflective gear (front and back)
Participation without safety gear will not be allowed.
FINISHER REWARDS
• Medal for every finisher
• Commemorative t-shirt
• Awards:
– Top 6 men & women (102 km)
– Top 3 relay teams (men, women, mixed)
Relay teams must declare their full team and running order.
ENTRY FEES
• Individual: €60
• 2-person relay: €35 per runner
• 4-person relay: €25 per runner
Payment to A.P.S. “Apollon” West Attica
EUROBANK IBAN: GR8602606020000830200575455
REGISTRATION
Register here: https://raceid.com/el/races/13639/about
Deadline: Wednesday, July 23
TRANSPORTATION
• From Athens (Davaki Sq., Aigaleo, 200m from Ag. Marina metro): departs Sat 26/7 at 16:00
• From Thermopylae for Northern Greece participants and others needing this option
• Return from Thermopylae → Athens available after race
🚫 No return transfer to Thespies
• A truck will transfer runners’ personal items from start to finish if unaccompanied
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Runners must indicate in the registration form whether they are accompanied (YES/NO)
• Those with accompanying vehicles must inform organizers by Wednesday, July 23
CONDUCT & FAIR PLAY
The race will follow IAAF–IAU rules.
Strictly prohibited:
Outside assistance between checkpoints
Pacing by non-participating runners
Penalties:
1st: Warning
2nd: Immediate disqualification and removal from results
ELIGIBILITY
No special entry criteria, but runners must have completed within the last 4 years:
• Marathon under 5:30
OR
• Any official race exceeding 42.195 km on road or trail (Greece or abroad)
CONTACT
• Kostas Samios: +30 6976 079500
• Stavros Tsimakidis: +30 6974 411515
• Email: info@apollonrunnersclub.gr | sta-tsi@hotmail.com
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