10th AUTHENTIC PHEIDIPPIDES RUN
ATHENS – SPARTA – ATHENS 490 km
19–23 November 2026
RULES & REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 1
The 10th Authentic Pheidippides Run from Athens to Sparta and back, is organized by the Non profit Athletic Cultural Club "Authentic Pheidippides Run" Dedicated to the inspirer and creator of the route, Takis Skoulis: “ In the Footsteps of Takis S
ARTICLE 1a
The Authentic Pheidippides Run is not merely a 490 kilometer race. It is a profound offering of the soul in honor of history. This year’s anniversary edition pays tribute to the inspirer and creator of the route, Takis Skoulis.It is an event founded not only on physical endurance, but also on the ethos of its participants. Beyond the formal application of the rules, the Organizing Committee looks to the sincere and responsible cooperation of both athletes and their support crews cooperation that is essential for the success and, above all, the safety of this remarkable endeavor. Therefore, participation in the race presupposes the acceptance of this spirit, respect for the regulations, and full harmony among support teams, volunteers, and the members of the organization.
ARTICLE 2
With the aim of honoring a monumental chapter in the history of the Western world as we know it today—the Battle of Marathon—as well as the transcendent feat of the hemerodromos Pheidippides , we offer the opportunity to those who successfully complete the International Authentic Phidippides Run to follow in the footsteps of Miltiades and his warriors (total distance: 524.9 km), finishing in Marathon, where history was brought into action.
A prerequisite for an athlete’s participation in the commemorative 10th edition “In the Footsteps of the Athenian Army” (Athens–Marathon, 524.9 km) is a valid finish in previous years.
ARTICLE 3
Greek and foreign ultradistance runners are entitled to participate in this race, provided that they meet the required medical conditions. Participation by athletes under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited.
Runners must complete and submit the participation application via the following website:
https://authenticPheidippidesrun.com/registrations
no later than 30/09/2026. The participation fee must also be paid by the same deadline, 30/09/2026.
NECESSARY ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE PRECONDITIONS
For the importance and the historically athletic event, nobody excluded from the dream.
THERE ARE NO NECESSARY PERFORMANCE PRECONDITIONS
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
To receive the BIB number, athletes need to submit original recent medical certificate of good health, with a date not older than 6 months before the start of the run. The medical certificate of good health must be sent by email to the address pheidippidesauthenticrun@gmail.com or uploaded to the website https://authenticpheidippidesrun.com/registrations , no later than October 15, 2026.
ARTICLE 4
It is emphasized that the race is on a public road, with simultaneous passage of vehicles. Runners accept full responsibility for their participation and release the organizers and everyone involved in the race (referees, volunteers, sponsors) from any liability for whatever might happen to them during or after the race. Athletes should be aware that the race is painful and certify that their health condition allows them to participate and that they have been properly prepared. They must also know that the medical care may not be provided during the entire event and in all parts of the route.
ARTICLE 5
The BIB number of the participant must be clearly visible throughout the race. Athletes are obliged to show their BIB number whenever it is needed by the Organizing Committee or the volunteers.
From sunset to sunrise, all athletes must wear brightly colored clothes or reflective stripes and have a functional headlight on and a red indicator light on the back (with spare batteries). In addition, athletes should bring with them a raincoat or windbreaker with a vibrant color.
For safety reasons, it is recommended that runners move on the left side of the road (as opposed to the direction of vehicles), except at points where the Organizing Committee deems a change is required. It is also forbidden for two athletes to run next to each other on high-speed roads.
For safety reasons, the Organizing Committee will provide all athletes with a GPS tracking device. All athletes need to carry their GPS device on them during the race. The GPS devices will be distributed during the technical briefing and must be returned at the end of the race or when an athlete quits. If an athlete does not return the GPS device, they will be charged a loss fee of 150 euros.
By any violation of these rules, the Organizing Committee has the right to suspend any athlete from continuing the race.
THE ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST DATA FROM THE GPS APPLICATION AND WATCH OF EVERY PARTICIPANT
ARTICLE 6
Cut-off points are located at the Main Stations as follows:
Athens – Sparta
- Megara 39.4 km: time limit 5:30 hours after the start
- Examilia 86.0 km: time limit 12:30 hours after the start
- Ancient Nemea 118.1 km: time limit 18:00 hours after the start
- Nestani 168.2 km: time limit 29:00 hours after the start
- Tegea 191.6 km: time limit 33:00 hours after the start
- Sparta 242.5 km: time limit 43:00 hours after the start
Sparta – Athens
- Tegea 293.4 km: time limit 57:15 hours after the start
- Nestani 316.9 km: time limit 62:00 hours after the start
- Ancient Nemea 366.9 km: time limit 73:45 hours after the start
- Examilia 399.1 km: time limit 80:45 hours after the start
- Megara 445.6 km: time limit 90:15 hours after the start
- Athens 485.3 km: time limit 98:00 hours after the start
Athens – Marathon
- Marathon 524.9 km: time limit 100:00 hours after the start
For the ATHENS-SPARTA-ATHENS-MARATHON race, there is a time limit (cut-off point) of 93:00 hours to reach Athens at 485.3 km.
ARTICLE 7
Organizing Committee Chart:
President of the Organizing Committee
General Secretary of the Organizing Committee
Race Supervisor
Sectors’ Supervisors
Central Stations Supervisors
Supply Table Responsibles
ARTICLE 8
The route Athens - Sparta - Athens will be divided into control Sectors as follows:
Sector 1: Athens - Megara
Sector 2: Megara - Examilia
Sector 3: Examilia - Ancient Nemea
Sector 4: Ancient Nemea - Nestani
Sector 5: Nestani - Tegea
Sector 6: Tegea - Sparta
Two Sector Supervisors will be present in each area. They have the responsibility for the coordination of the Sector. The Sector Supervisors report to the President of the Organizing Committee and the Race Supervisor. They will check that athletes:
a) Comply with the rules
b) Are in good health to continue
If the rules of the race are violated or the health of the athlete is at risk, the Sector Supervisors have every authority to suspend the athlete's participation.
The same Sectors will apply for the return from Sparta to Athens.
ARTICLE 9
The use of any pharmaceutical substance is strictly prohibited without the prior approval of the event’s medical officer and the Organizing Committee.
The Organizers do not administer, supply, or provide pharmaceutical substances of any kind, including painkillers.
ARTICLE 10
It is strictly prohibited for individuals not officially connected with the race—whether on foot or using any type of vehicle—to accompany competing athletes or for athletes to board or make use of such vehicles.
If support crew are present, they may assist the athlete only at the official aid stations of the event, and at a distance of at least 30 meters from the aid station tables, solely provided that they are properly accredited and display the official credentials of the event.
Any form of assistance offered to an athlete between aid stations (away from the official aid station tables) shall result in the athlete’s disqualification, by decision of the Organizing Committee.
ARTICLE 11
For safety reasons, the use of support crew vehicles is strictly prohibited between Aid Station 22/56 (Yiaia Panagiota) and Aid Station 25/53 (Nestani – G. Panos), both on the route towards Sparta and on the return route from Sparta to Athens.
Violation of the above rule may result in the imposition of penalties, up to and including the disqualification of the athlete.
ARTICLE 12
For reasons of safety and alertness, the use of audio playback devices (with or without headphones) is strictly prohibited.It is clarified that mobile phones must remain switched on and may be used only in case of necessity or emergency.
ARTICLE 13
Runners, who wish to quit the race, will have to declare it at the nearest supply point or the Sector Supervisor. The corresponding withdrawal form must be filled in and delivered together with his BIB number and GPS device. The athletes could take back his/her the BIB number after the end of the race.*The BIB number of the participants will be printed only once.
ARTICLE 14
Any runner who passes any MAIN AID STATION after the designated cut-off time is automatically withdrawn from the race, without any further procedure, and must surrender their bib number and GPS tracking device.
ARTICLE 15
Cancellation Policy:Cancellations may be accepted with a refund of the participation fee until 30/09/2026 .After this date, and as of 01/10/2026, no refunds will be issued. Only a transfer of participation to the immediately following year will be permitted, with administrative expenses deducted.
ARTICLE 16
At the technical briefing, athletes can deliver to the organizers, separated by supply point, their own personal items, food, drinks, and anything else they need, in order to be placed to those specific supply points. NAME / SURNAME / BIB Number / SUPPLY POINT Number must be clearly written on each package.The Organizing Committee has every right to check the content of the package, as well as the content of the escort cars.
ARTICLE 17
Runners have the right to appeal against any teammate, who violated the rules during the race. The appeal can be submitted to the President or the General Secretary of the Organizing Committee or the Race Supervisor before the official award ceremony.
ARTICLE 18
Upon bib number collection, athletes are required to declare any support vehicles that will accompany them (in accordance with the restrictions set out in Articles 10 and 11), including the vehicles’ license plate numbers.
The Organizing Committee will issue official accreditation and provide event identification signs, which must be clearly displayed on the vehicle. No vehicle without proper accreditation and official event identification will be permitted to provide support at the aid station tables.
Support vehicles must proceed with particular caution and at low speed along the race course, especially on unpaved roads.
ARTICLE 19
To maintain sportsmanship, runners must behave impeccably and treat their fellow athletes and the Organizing Committee representatives with courtesy.
ARTICLE 20
Invite all our athletes,wether they finished the race or not.We would love to see all are at the awards ceremony. It's special moment for us to celebrate those who stood out and ensure everyone to recive their commemorative mementos together as a team. If a serious reason prevents you from being there, know in advance so we can arrange to have your mementos sent to you. ( shipping costs covered by the recipient)We hope to see you all there.
ARTICLE 21
The check points and supply points may be transferred to another position without prior announcement, in case of roadworks in process, weather conditions, lighting and so on.
ARTICLE 22
Athletes may stay and rest in a support vehicle (either their own or the organization's), at a distance not exceeding 30 meters from the check point, and ONLY after consultation with the station official or volunteer in charge. Remaining at the location after the official closing time of the respective check point is strictly prohibited."
ARTICLE 23
Staying overnight in any type of hotel, accommodation, or lodging facility is strictly prohibited for as long as the athlete remains in the race and is wearing their bib number.
Any violation of the above rule shall result in the athlete’s immediate disqualification.
ARTICLE 24
Athletes can be disqualified from the race for the reasons referred bellow:
-
Violation of any article of RULES AND REGULATIONS.
-
Arriving at a check point having exceeded the time limit.
-
If considered by the medical team to be incapable of completing the race, or after decision of a Sector Supervisor if he judges that the health of the athlete is at risk.
For the athletes who stop, the Organizing Committee will make every effort to transfer them from the Central Station to Athens as soon as possible. However, it is possible that this transfer will take place after the end of the operation of the specific Central Station.
If the athlete wishes to be transferred by an escort car after disqualification/withdrawal, he must state this on the withdrawal form.
ARTICLE 25
For any matter not specified in these regulations, the authority for resolution lies with the President, the General Secretary of the Organizing Committee, the Race Director, or the local Sector Heads.
REMINDER:
COMMITMENT STATEMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE SPORT EVENT
The Organizing Committee of the 10th International Authentic Pheidippides Run (Athens - Sparta - Athens) is committed to creating a sustainable sport event which incorporates the three principles of Fair Play, the historical route of Pheidippides and the environmental policy and management required to create a sustainable event.
We are dedicated to realizing a program that uses the natural resources required for the event in a sustainable manner, reduces any negative environmental impacts caused by the event and manages the waste created during the event.
The Organizing Committee of the Authentic Pheidippides Run
