# Spartathlon ultramarathon event

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spartathlon-ultramarathon-event
> Updated: 2026-09-28T18:44:42.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4.

The 2026 Spartathlon ultramarathon, a 245 to 246-kilometer race following the historical route from Athens to Sparta, was held in late September. 

Initial reports indicated that 403 elite athletes from various nations, including Greece, Germany, Japan, and the United States, were set to compete. As the event approached, it was noted that the race would draw participants from 58 different countries. Athletes, such as three-time finisher Alexandros Piperidis, have emphasized that the challenge requires intense mental readiness and strategic management in addition to physical training.

Following the race held on September 26 and 27, 2026, Stratis Vartalamidis of the Lesvos Runners club successfully completed the 246-kilometer course. Vartalamidis, originally from Mandamados, recorded a total time of 35 hours, 59 minutes, and 53 seconds. He attributed his performance to the technical support and guidance of Federal Athletics Coach Michalis Anagnostou, specifically during the second day of the race. He also noted the encouragement of supporters present at the start.

Eleven Argentine ultramarathon runners also successfully completed the course. Santiago Trull was the top-performing Argentine, finishing with a time of 26 hours and 20 minutes. The race concludes with a ritual where participants touch the statue of King Leonidas and receive an olive branch crown.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Stratis Vartalamidis completes 246-km Spartathlon ultramarathon

Lesvos Runners athlete Stratis Vartalamidis completed the 246-km Spartathlon ultramarathon from Athens to Sparta in under 36 hours.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stratis-vartalamidis-completes-246-km-spartathlon-ultramarathon

### 2026-09-28: Argentine athletes complete Spartathlon as Club Talleres prepares annual run

Eleven Argentine athletes completed the grueling 248km Spartathlon in Greece, while Club Talleres prepares for its 44th annual running event.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentine-athletes-complete-spartathlon-as-club-talleres-prepares-annual-run

### 2026-09-21: Spartathlon ultramarathon to draw athletes from 58 countries

The 246-km Spartathlon ultramarathon from Athens to Sparta will soon host elite athletes from 58 countries in Greece.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spartathlon-ultramarathon-to-draw-athletes-from-58-countries

### 2026-09-09: Spartathlon 2026 to feature 403 athletes in Athens-Sparta race

403 international athletes will compete in the 245km Spartathlon 2026, running from Athens to Sparta on September 26-27.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spartathlon-2026-to-feature-403-athletes-in-athens-sparta-race

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Cite as: Spartathlon ultramarathon event. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spartathlon-ultramarathon-event