PHIDIPIDES’ ATHLOS
          ROAD RACE: ATHENS – SPARTA – ATHENS
          A MODERN RE-RUN BY YIANNIS KOUROS
          Athens 7/9/05

Yiannis Kouros the well known Ultra marathon World Record Holder and holder of numerous other records has had the vision since 1983 of the total rebirth of Phidipides’ glorious triumph (Athens – Sparta – Athens 500km) through the mountain Parthenio as quoted by historian Herodotus. This he has finally managed in forthcoming event.
The projected date for the start of the run is the 29–30/ 9/ 05 and the finish on 1 – 2/ 10 /05 at Pnyka, Athens.
Yiannis Kouros being sensitively aware of historical sports issues has dedicated many years into researching the ancient race especially the torturous areas of Argolida, Arcadia and Laconia. Recently he has put in a lot of work in mapping out every inch of that race distance.
This major task by Yiannis Kouros is unique for modern Greece and has a mission to sensitize the relevant bodies and the general public on the transcendental approaching dimensions of ultra marathon running.
That is the spiritual and almost metaphysical aspect of ultra running. These elements are not evident in short distance races and Yiannis aims to remind everyone of the nature of the tests that Phidipides endured.
The philosophy of distance footraces lies in the idiosyncrasy of the ultra marathon runners as they try to overcome the pain and exhaustion with clarity, alertness and stoicism.
This race aims to highlight to young people the value of trying, enduring, persisting and fighting life’s hardships and that our will can be victorious when physical and spiritual resources are mobilized.
We are certain that the total revival of “Phidipides’ Athlos” will be given the appropriate attention by the media; we hope that we’ll receive their support and promotion aiming to inspire towards sports and positivism in every aspect of life.
In the next few days we’ll conduct a Press Conference at either the offices of ΣΕΓΑΣ (Hellenic Association of Amateur Athletics) or the Municipality of Ilioupolis in Athens where there will be an opportunity to discuss the race comprehensively