Spartathlon 2005 cont
It is a perfect event for those seeking a mid-life-crisis challenge with most runners in their late 30s or 40s. The record for the distance is an unbelievable 20 hr 25 min by Yanis Kouros, the Lance Armstrong of ultra-running, but most other mortals struggle to get within the 36 hr cut-off, with only 31% of participants on average completing the course.
Held usually on the last weekend I September, the race begins at 7:00 am from the Acropolis. Still dark at this time of the morning in Athens, athletes mingle from the various corners of the globe to exchange parting comments. A starting pistol signals the beginning of another Spartathlon. Most runners are equipped with sun hats to protect against the fierce heat of the afternoon sun and various belts and backpacks loaded with energy bars, hydration systems and medical necessities. The benefits of baby cream cannot be overstated for various anatomical regions prone to chaffing and is far superior to the conventional systems of lubrication such as petroleum jelly. Over such long distances latter appears to combine with dirt, dust and bodily excretions to act much like sandpaper. NSAIDs can alleviate the pain and inflammation of tired muscles, but must be used with caution where runners are often dehydrated and predisposed to renal shutdown.
The race passes through the polluted early morning traffic of Athens and then heads east to Corinth. This is one of the most challenging sections with tight cut-off times intended to eliminate the slower runners. Two sub-4:30 hr marathons are needed if runners are to continue past Corinth. The steep sided Corinth canal is the first significant landmark on the route and marks the completion of the first section of the race. The route then meanders through the Greek countryside, passing through many pretty villages populated with cheering spectators and children seeking a “high-five” or even an autograph. We can all be kings for one day!
Each feed station, and there are 74 of them, has an opening and closing time and all runners must reach the station by the closing time to avoid elimination. There is a sweeper bus trailing the back runners and it can prove very difficult to resist the temptations of a comfortable seat, rest and sleep for those struggling with the cut-off times. Runners use various race strategies for pacing, some with complex charts tucked away or written with indelible ink on their arms or even taped to water bottles collected a various key points along the route.
For my first attempt in 2005 I came very ill prepared relying mostly on the support of other experienced runners for advice and support, but with a clear goal; run till you drop. I am especially indebted to Mark Williams, Glyn Marston and John Tyszkiewicz, without whom I would have not made it and to four British supporters who ensured I kept warm, dry and fed during the early hours of Day 2 by donating a new Gore-Tex jacket, a tube of Pringles and packet of custard creams. The camaraderie of fellow runners and dedication of the volunteer crews manning the feed station epitomises the spirit of the race.
