Spartathlon 2005 cont b
The International Spartathlon Association (ISA) is a non-profit organisation and many devoted members spend many weeks planning each race. The logistics of hosting such an event are a major undertaking and would not be possible without the many volunteers who give their time, money and goodwill
to ensure that all the runners are adequately supported
As night descends on Day 1, surviving runners start to plan the ascent up Mt Parthenio. A major checkpoint at Nemea is an opportunity for a change to warmer clothes and a fresh pair of socks and shoes. Either hand or head torches are needed from this point as tarmac roads turn to dirt tracks. After many miles of gentle descent a sudden change in profile is apparent. Mountains can be seen against the night sky and the faint bobbing of zigzagging head torches indicates the path taken by ascending runners. The mountain track is lit by fluorescent sticks, flashing LEDs and various stretches of plastic tape to prevent accidents or falls.
The feed station at the top of Mt Parthenio is a particularly welcome site, marking another key checkpoint. Cold night temperatures and high winds result in only fleeting stop to consume a hot drink and biscuit. Those crewing this high altitude station appear to have been assigned the least desirable checkpoint, but their cheerfulness and encouragement cannot fail to lift the spirits of ailing runners during the early hours.
A steep descent to the village of Sangas and dawn arrives. The warm morning sun on Day 2 is a good reason to celebrate and provides an opportunity to seek out breakfast. More significantly there is less than 60 miles to Sparta and we are still standing/running.
Further tortuous climbs in torrential rain and then finally in the late afternoon on day 2, Sparta is visible in the valley below. The descent is a painful 10km and the last few checkpoints are counted, 71, 72,73 and…..then 74. Checkpoint 74 is located just across the bridge on the River Evrotas and only 2.5km form the finish.
All runners passing this checkpoint are permitted to finish the race even if they subsequently exceed the cut-off time of 36hr. The euphoria of knowing the finish is within reach is matched by the magnificent support from locals cheering runners through the final section of the race. Children on bicycles escort the runners through the streets lined with palm trees. A final turn and the statue of Leonidas, the ancient king of the Spartans is visible. . Leonidas was slain in the battle of Thermopylae, 480 BC, by Persian invaders led by Xerxes. Although Leonidas and his fellow Spartans were vastly outnumbered, they inflicted heavy losses on the advancing Persian army. Subsequently, the term “Spartan” has become associated with anyone rigorously self-disciplined or courageous in the face of pain or adversity. Touching the feet of the great warrior stops the clock and the race is over.
The local major is present to greet all runners who successfully complete the event. An olive wreath is placed on the athlete’s head, a symbol of the Olympian spirit and water is offered from the River Evrotas. The race completed, the effects of over 33 hr running suddenly become evident. Nausea, a faint head and the urgent need to lie down are overwhelming.
Fortunately a medical tent is close at hand and is staffed by experienced sport medics. IV fluids were required as a 10% weight loss was re corded. Warm foil blankets and gentles massaging of the feet, calves and thighs are all apart of the service. Hot drinks or even alcohol will be supplied when the runners have re-hydrated and appear sufficiently lucid. Once stabilised taxis ferry runners to a nearby Hotel. A Shower, then sleep is a priority for most, at least for a few hours before the awards ceremony and celebrations held in the town square in the evening. Fortunately for runners of the modern era, the return journey to Athens the following day is by coach rather than by foot. However, it is worth noting that on this particular weekend, Yanis Kouros chose to run the return leg and completed the 500 km course in an incredibly fast time.In 2005, of the 230 entrants that started 102 finished (44.4% and a record number) of which there were 12 women (another record). Of the ten British runners, only 5 succeeded. Special mention must go to Sam Kilpatrick who came within 20 Km of the finish and well within the cut-off, but was forced to retire from hypothermia.
The five successful Brits:
Mark Williams 33:07, William Sichel 33:14, Martin Ilott 33:28, John Tyszkiewicz 34:55, Mark Cockbrain 35:52.
