Spartathlon 2006 29th-30th September 2006.

The 2005 Spartathlon was the pinnacle of my running career. Having completed more than 150 marathons and a number of ultra events in the UK over the past 15 years, I approached the 2005 Spartathlon with marked trepidation. I was not expecting to finish, intending to use the 2005 race to gain valuable experience for a more focused attempt in the following years. However, favourable weather and fantastic support and advice from a number of veteran Spartathletes (special thanks to Mark Williams and Peter Foxall) resulted in a successful first time finish in a respectable time of 33hr 28 minutes.

The race was hard, even brutal. The race is probably one of the world’s toughest continuous point-to-point races with Challenging cut-off times in the first day, night-time climbs into the mountains and further ascents on day-two. Temperatures fluctuate from mid-30s to nearly zero, shade is fleeting and the road surface varies from new tarmac to rough tracks.

The euphoria, deep satisfaction and fulfillment of completing the race will stay with me forever. This was a race I thought was only for elite athletes with a stronger constitution than my own. I was an average runner with average performances for various events up to the marathon distance. I had read reports of the race and feared the length, the heat, the mountains and the cut-off times. However, my success should demonstrate to all aspiring Spartathletes that with good preparation and commitment an average club runner can fulfil their ultra-dreams.

Why go back? One observation from the 2005 event was the number of “regulars”, runners who return year after year to face the challenges on the roads to Sparta. Regulars, fully aware of the fine line between success and failure and the punishment they must put both their bodies and minds through to reach the statue of Leonidas in Sparta. The event is infectious with may runners returning countless times, the record currently standing at 21 starts and 15 finishes I believe.