BEFORE THE RACE
Study carefully the Race Rules. You can find them here
Also be informed by the race program
Thursday 25 – Friday 26 Sept. OASIS Hotel: Athlete and crew registration.
The delivery of race bags and athlete numbers (BIB) will be made only to the athlete himself/herself and not to any representative.
Thursday 25 Sept.: A live broadcast with Technical Briefing will take place on the official SPARTATHLON YouTube channel, with updates, preparations, and points of attention for the race.
Friday 26 Sept.:
Delivery of drop bags in the official bags will take place from 11:00 to 16:45.
The Drop Bags (athlete supplies) will be transported by the organization to the following C/Ps: 4, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 27, 29, 32, 35, 38, 40, 43, 47, 48, 52, 57, 60, 65, 68, 71, 73, 74, 75.
LUGGAGE’S
You are allowed to SEND TO SPARTI only one bag or a small suitcase with your personal items and clothes necessary for your short stay there. You will find special stickers with your BIB number in your athlete΄s bag. Attach them to your luggage so that you can find it at your hotel in Sparta.
The rest of your luggage will be safely kept until you return to Glyfada-Athens. The RECEPTION of the hotel will show you where to leave your luggage.
Saturday 27th Sep.: Breakfast will be served between 05:15 and 05:45. Empty your room and make sure that nothing is left there. After breakfast deliver your luggage (do not forget the BIB number on it) just in front of the entrance of your hotel and get on your bus which will take you to the starting point (Acropolis). Your luggage will be collected by a Spartathlon lorry (van). Be on the bus at 05.45 in front of your hotel.
DURING THE RACE
Saturday 27 Sept.: Be at the start area on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street (near the Herodion Theatre) no later than 06:30 am.
During your stay at the starting area, athletes, supporters, and visitors must not approach within 10 meters of the electronic timing mats, which will be in place.
Photos from the race will be uploaded throughout the event on spartathlon.gr by the Sparta Photography Club team, who will follow the race.
The race will also be broadcast live (start & finish) through spartathlon.gr.
Updates will also be posted on the official SPARTATHLON Facebook and Instagram accounts.
DOPING CONTROL
Random doping control will take place at the finish line for both men and women.
IAU – INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ULTRARUNNERS
An official observer from IAU will be present during the race.
GPS TRACKING
This year again, you will receive a GPS Tracking device during registration in Glyfada. Activate it by pressing the ON/OFF button 15 minutes before the start and switch it off only after your finish or in case of withdrawal, by pressing the ON/OFF button again. Instructions will be provided by the GPS team during device handout.
Instruction videos:
Deactivation during the race is NOT permitted. Press the SOS button only in case of emergency.
GPS devices must be returned to an official of the organization at withdrawal or at the finish.
Since the devices are charged to the organization, in case of loss you are liable for compensation of €50.
RACE PROGRESS – RESULTS
For race progress and athlete splits, apart from GPS Tracking, you can follow updates on www.spartathlon.gr and the mobile application (iOS & Android).
There will be live splits from 18 checkpoints.
Electronic mats will be at:
Start, CP4, CP11, CP15, CP18, CP22, CP25, CP28, CP32, CP35, CP41, CP47, CP52, CP57, CP60, CP69, CP74, Finish.
ROUTE CHANGES – DEVIATIONS
No major route changes this year.
- The CP13, which was at the entrance of Kokkini Hotel, has been moved 350m further down on the right.
- CP26 Ancient Corinth moved 150m further after the market.
- CP52 moved to the lower corner of the village Nestani square.
See details on the online course maps: SPGOOGLEMAP
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATHLETES
- Do NOT forget headlamps (+extra batteries) and rear reflectors or lights for the night. Without them, you risk disqualification.
- Always wear your race number (BIB) visible front & back.
- Advertising on race clothing is strictly FORBIDDEN. Only your country name or sports club is allowed.
- Music devices are FORBIDDEN. You may carry your mobile phone for safety purposes.
- Trekking poles (batons) are FORBIDDEN.
- Running without clothing or half-naked is FORBIDDEN.
- At the finish, climbing onto the statue of King Leonidas is FORBIDDEN. The race officially ends by touching the feet of the statue.
Environmental Notice: No small plastic bottles will be provided. Use your personal bottles or cups available at the checkpoints and dispose of them in the bins provided. Do NOT throw them elsewhere.
Remember: Every checkpoint (C/P) is also a cut-off point. Closing times will be strictly enforced.
WEATHER CONDITIONS – IMPORTANT NOTE
Based on current forecasts for 27–28 September 2025, athletes should be prepared for:
Saturday, 27 September: Mostly clear skies with some high clouds in the morning, becoming cloudy in the afternoon with possible showers. Temperatures: ~25 °C (high) / 18 °C (low).
Sunday, 28 September: Mostly cloudy, with possible morning thunderstorms and a passing shower in the afternoon. Temperatures: ~26 °C (high) / 17 °C (low).
Recommendations:
- Carry a light waterproof jacket or rain cover.
- Bring a light layer (jacket/long sleeve) for cooler morning or night hours.
- Ensure your shoes have good grip in case parts of the course become slippery.
⚠️ Remember: Weather can change quickly, especially in hilly or mountainous areas.
SIGNAGE
New bright yellow SP arrows on the asphalt. Avoid white arrows (remnants of other races).
Additional signs: arrows on walls/trees, red-white tape, and chemical lights.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREWS
- Assistance is permitted only by accredited crew members at the following C/Ps: 12, 22, 26, 29, 32, 35, 40, 43, 47, 52, 57, 60, 65, 68, 72, 75. (16 out of 75).
Strictly FORBIDDEN elsewhere. - Do not stop near checkpoints except at the above 16.
- Driving alongside or near your athlete with any vehicle (bike, motorbike, car, etc.) or even on foot is strictly FORBIDDEN.
If you want to give extra supplies to your athlete, leave them at the checkpoint well before the athlete arrives and leave. Write the BIB number.
NEW RULE: Between CP49 (Sagas) and CP52 (Nestani), since crew vehicles drive against race flow causing danger and blinding athletes, you must wait for your athlete at the Nestani village square.
No need to go to Sagas Village.
Trust volunteers and race marshals are there to take care of the athletes.
Dear runners & crews: Respect the race regulations. Otherwise, your athlete risks receiving a yellow or even red card.
AFTER THE RACE
- Medical care for all athletes.
- Shower and changing facilities at the Sparta municipal stadium (behind Leonidas statue).
- Sunday 28 Sept. 21:00: Celebration organized by the Municipality of Sparta at the central square. Awards to top 3 men & women.
- Monday 29 Sept. (morning): At Sparta indoor gym: retrieval of supplies left at checkpoints. Lunch hosted by the Mayor of Sparta.
- Tuesday 30 Sept. 19:00: Awards ceremony, dinner, farewell party.
INFORMATION – CLARIFICATIONS
If you need more information or clarifications, contact the INFORMATION DESK at OASIS Hotel (Glyfada) during registration days.
For the International Spartathlon Association
| President & Race Director Vangelis Polimeris |
Technical Director Panagiotis Bonelis |
| Race Marshal Doukas Tsiakiris |
