Spartathlon 2026 to feature 403 athletes in Athens-Sparta race

The Spartathlon 2026 ultra-marathon is set to take place on September 26 and 27, 2026. The 245-kilometer race follows the historical route from Athens to Sparta, tracing the path of Pheidippides.

A total of 403 elite athletes from around the world are scheduled to compete, including 62 participants from Greece. Among the Greek athletes, 18 secured direct entry based on previous exceptional performances or high finish rates. The international field includes representatives from Germany, Japan, Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland, Belgium, Hungary, Mexico, and Chinese Taipei.

The event proceedings begin on September 24 with athlete registration and technical briefings. The race officially starts at 07:00 under the Acropolis in Athens and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, September 27, at 19:00 in front of the King Leonidas statue in Sparta.