Preparation

PREPARING FOR AND COMPETING IN YOUR FIRST SPARTATHLON

If you want to successfully compete in the Spartathlon, the book “Preparing For And Competing In your First Spartathlon” has been written specially for you by John Foden.  He was the leader of the British Royal Air Force athletes who ran to Sparta in 1982 to prove that Pheidippides’ run was not a myth.  Before then all the great international ultra distance runners and academics were unanimous in believing Herodotus’ story of Pheidippides running from Athens to Sparta in two days was a myth. 

Foden then became the joint founder of the first Spartathlon race held in 1983.  In addition to pioneering the Spartathlon he also won gold and silver medals at the World Veteran Athletic Championships and set two British Commonwealth 100 Kms Records.  With this background he wrote a small booklet to help British runners who were planning to enter the Spartathlon.  It soon proved popular amongst other athletes from all round the world. It has now been revised and extended to help all the international ultra distance running community. 

The book contains detailed maps of the course, pages of photos of the course, a detailed text description of the course, suggestions for training, comparisons with some other races, a description of the race administration including an explanation of the entry qualifications, and answers the questions competitors have often asked Foden.  It even gives advice to supporters.

Everyone interested in the Spartathlon will find the book invaluable whether competitor, supporter, journalist or historian.   Those runners who have not competed before have found it invaluable during their training and for knowing what to expect when they get to Greece.  Many of those who did not have a copy, did not finish when they first competed and then bought one, finished when they competed again.  Indeed the experienced and successful American ultra distance runner Scott Jurek, who won the race at his first attempt, said his copy was a great help in planning his strategy for the race.

For more information about the cost and how you may obtain the book and your email correspondence usejohnfoden@btinternet.com