In 490 BC, Pheidippides ran for 36 hours straight from Athens to Sparta to seek help in defending Athens from a Persian invasion in the Battle of Marathon. In doing so, he both saved Greece and inspired the birth of the marathon as we know it. Even now, some 2500 years later, that run stands enduringly as one of greatest physical accomplishments in the history of mankind.
Ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes personally honours Pheidippides and his own Greek heritage by recreating this ancient journey in modern times. As he runs the gruelling Spartathlon, he even abstains from contemporary endurance tools like sports drinks and energy gels in favour of the figs, olives and meats which were available to Pheidippides.
The Road to Sparta offers a rare and vivid glimpse into the mindset and motivation of an extreme athlete during his most difficult and personal challenge to date. Whether they run great distances or not at all, Dean's account is sure to captivate and inspire all who read it.
