The Non-Profit Athletic and Cultural Club “AUTHENTIC PHEIDIPPIDES RUN” announces the organization of the 10th INTERNATIONAL AUTHENTIC PHEIDIPPIDES RUN, Anniversary Edition, ATHENS – SPARTA – ATHENS, 485.3 km and ATHENS – SPARTA – ATHENS – MARATHON 524.9 km, to be held from 19–23 November 2026.
The Athletic and Cultural Club Authentic Pheidippides Run (Registration No. 34245, Tax ID 996461641) was founded in 2024 for the preservation of this internationally significant historic race, as successors and continuators of the former club Athenian Runners.
The International “Authentic Pheidippides Run” is an international ultramarathon of 490 kilometers (Athens–Sparta–Athens), reviving the historic feat of the ancient courier Pheidippides in 490 BC, shortly before the Battle of Marathon.
The year 2026 marks the anniversary 10th International Authentic Pheidippides Run, dedicated to the inspirer and creator of the route, Takis Skoulis: “In the Footsteps of Takis Skoulis.” We offer the opportunity to those who complete the Authentic Pheidippides Run to follow the footsteps of General Miltiades and his soldiers, finishing in Marathon.
The 10th International Authentic Pheidippides Run was held:
The Ambassador of the International Authentic Pheidippides Run is Balkan Champion, Greek Champion, and Olympian Maria Polyzou.
It is important to note that for the second consecutive year, the 9th Authentic Pheidippides Run included a wheelchair athlete with disabilities (AMEA). The organization will continue to support such initiatives of inclusion.
For the safety of the athletes, GPS tracking devices with SOS button will be provided throughout the race. Full medical coverage will be available along the route by EKAB (National Center for Emergency Care) and Hellenic Red Cross units. An operational medical plan is coordinated by EKEPY (National Health Operations Center), ensuring all hospitals along the route are on standby.
This athletic event embodies a threefold symbolism:
The organizing association is responsible for the environmental program, aiming to minimize environmental impact and manage waste responsibly.
ATHENS-SPARTA-ATHENS
Race start: November 19, 2026 at 06:00 a.m.
Finish of the last athlete in Athens: November 23, 2026 at 08:00 a.m.
Total distance: 485,3 kilometers (about 243 kilometers each way)
Time limit: 98 hours (start and finish at the Ancient Agora of Athens)
ATHENS-SPARTA-ATHENS-MARATHON
Race start: November 19, 2026 at 06:00 a.m.
Finish of the last athlete in Marathon: November 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Total distance: 524,9 kilometers
Time limit: 100 hours
The route follows the entire ancient road from Athens to Eleusis, Megara, Ancient Corinth, then towards Agios Vasileios, Ancient Cleonae, reaching Ancient Nemea. It continues through Malandreni, Lyrkeia, Karya, climbs Mount Artemisio (1,227 m), descends to Nestani, passes Tegea, and enters the Tripoli–Sparta road, finishing at the statue of Leonidas at the Sparta Stadium.
This ensures the most historically accurate route of the ancient runner Pheidippides.
Return is via the exact same route.
Total distance: 485,3 km.
ANCIENT AGORA - SPARTA (242.5 km / 43 HOURS):
SPARTA - ANCIENT AGORA (242.8 km / 55 HOURS):
ANCIENT AGORA - MARATHON (39.6 km)
Electronic timing will be used.
Athletes will be monitored via checkpoints, course officials, and GPS event tracking with SOS button. A live tracking link will be announced prior to the race.
WARNING:
Crew support is allowed only at official aid tables (within 30 meters). Any assistance outside these areas results in disqualification.
There are NO competitive qualifying standards.
Athletes are responsible for understanding the extreme difficulty of the event.
Additional Requirements:
Up to 28/02/2026, the Entry fee is 600 € payable to the Bank Account:
THE OFFER WILL BE VALID UNTIL 28/02/2026 (payment registration until 28/02/2026).
From 01/03/2026 to 30/09/2026, entry fee is 700 € (for payment registration not later than 30/09/2026).
For athletes who will take part in the anniversary route Athens-Sparta-Athens-Marathon, the participation fee amounts to €700, REGARDLES OF THE REGISTRATION DATE.
Payment should be made within one month of the application date and no later than 30/09/2026.
THE FEE INCLUDES
Hotels and crew meals are NOT included.
Applications must be submitted by 30/09/2026 via the official registration link.
ATHENS-SPARTA-ATHENS
ATHENS-SPARTA-ATHENS-MARATHON
Comprehensive medical coverage throughout the route, with hospitals on standby under EKEPY operational planning.
Secure storage will be provided for participants’ personal items.