Spartathlon 2024: Lessons from 246km of Grit, Gratitude, and Ice Baths

Last update December 3, 2025 by Etienne Duroher 

Running 246 kilometers from Athens to Sparta is not simply a race. It is a pilgrimage. A crossing of land, heat, darkness, fear, and history. It is a test that exposes every strength, every flaw, and every part of the human soul willing to face the unknown. Spartathlon follows the ancient footsteps of Pheidippides, from the Acropolis to the feet of King Leonidas, across mountains, fields, highways, villages, and long empty stretches of night.

In 2024, I stood at the start line of my third Spartathlon attempt. I had finished once and failed once. That contrast lived inside me. But with deep gratitude and determination, I crossed the finish line for the second time.

This is the story of how it happened, what I learned, and why I know I’ll return.

Returning to Athens: Fear, Joy, and Familiar Faces

The Acropolis at dawn is a surreal place to begin any race. Hundreds of runners gather in silence and nervous laughter, headlamps glowing, hearts pounding. For me, the emotions were intense. Last year, I missed the Korinthos cutoff. This year, fear and redemption stood side by side.

I was nervous. Very nervous. But that feeling was balanced with something far greater: happiness. The happiness of having a second chance and being surrounded by friends from across the world. Spartathlon unites people like few events do. Veterans, first-timers, international athletes — all sharing one path.

When the countdown began, fear disappeared. Only gratitude remained.

A Simple Plan: Reach Korinthos, Then Settle In

The Strategy That Kept Me Focused

My plan was simple:

Reach Korinthos (80 km) before the cutoff.

Nothing mattered until that moment.

This checkpoint ended my race in 2023. The memory stayed with me all year. So instead of thinking about 246 kilometers, I focused on one task: stay steady, manage heat, eat, drink, and keep moving.

Heat, Ice, and Electrolytes

The Greek sun was merciless. I cooled myself constantly with ice, water, and electrolytes. The heat followed me into the night — I ran shirtless, pouring water over my head, drinking nonstop. Chaos, but controlled chaos.

The Taste of Redemption

When I reached Korinthos, the relief was overwhelming.

I celebrated with a huge plate of spaghetti loaded with salt and feta. It tasted like victory. It tasted like a second chance.

A Crew That Made the Impossible Possible

Athanasia’s Energy

Ultrarunning may look like a solo effort, but Spartathlon is a team sport. My crew — Athanasia and a friend — carried me through Greece.

Athanasia, a total newbie to crewing, was incredible. Laughing, joking, full of energy. Her dedication was remarkable. Every time I saw her, I felt lighter.

Not Just Helpers — Lifelines

They didn’t just hand me drinks or electrolytes. They handed me courage, confidence, and motivation. They endured heat and exhaustion so I could keep going. I never felt alone for a single kilometer.

Three hearts, one journey.

The Night, the Mountain, and the Price of Not Eating Enough

The Mistake That Caught Me

Every Spartathlon teaches a lesson. Mine came through one simple but costly mistake: I didn’t eat enough.

When the sun went down, fatigue hit brutally. My body had nothing left.

Falling Asleep While Walking

I fell asleep while walking — twice.

The first time, I drifted off mid-step and woke up terrified, mostly because I didn’t want anyone to see me. I reached the next checkpoint and took a short nap to reset.

The Ditch Moment

Later, near dawn, it happened again. I veered off the road into a ditch. I wasn’t seriously hurt, but the shock was real.

These moments humbled me. They reminded me that calories are not optional. Fueling is survival in ultrarunning.

Lessons for Next Time

Next time, I will fuel with intention.

I will respect my body the same way I respect the course.

Climbing the Mountain: Calm in the Darkness

A Section Many Fear

The mountain section — around 160 km — can crush even experienced runners. Loose rocks, darkness, fatigue.

A Surprisingly Steady Climb

This year, I handled it calmly. Experience helped. A short nap helped. I climbed with focus, not fear. Descending was tougher, but once I reached the bottom, I knew:

Sparta was coming.

And I was ready.

The Final Stretch: Exhaustion, Relief, and Tears at Leonidas

The Longest 20 Kilometers

The final approach into Sparta is emotional. My body was exhausted, but my heart carried me forward. Every kilometer felt sacred. Every step felt like a small victory.

Entering Sparta

Entering the city is unlike anything else in running — cheering crowds, families, children, flags, emotion everywhere.

When I reached the statue of King Leonidas, I placed my hand on his foot. Tears came immediately.

The Moment That Broke Me Open

But what truly moved me was afterward.

My dear friend Fany placed a wreath on my head and hugged me tightly.

That moment — friendship, relief, victory — hit harder than any finish line.

Why I Will Return — and What Comes Next

The Desire to Improve

People often ask why anyone would want to run Spartathlon more than once.

For me, the answer is simple:

I believe I can do even better.

I can be faster.

I can be wiser.

I can respect the course more deeply and perform more confidently.

But Spartathlon also taught me that anything can happen in 246 km. Experience helps, but humility keeps you alive.

And there are new horizons calling me now — new mountains to climb and new limits to test.

New Challenges Ahead

In the coming years, I want to take on the Dolihos 255 km, a beautiful and brutal race across Greek mountains and villages. I also aim to qualify for the 24-Hour World Championship in 2027, a dream I am slowly but consistently building toward.

Spartathlon was never an ending. It is a foundation.

Your Own Spartathlon

Everyone Has Their Own Journey

You don’t need to run 246 kilometers to find your Spartathlon.

Maybe it’s your first 10K.

Maybe it’s your comeback after injury.

Maybe it’s balancing training with work or parenting.

The Essence of the Race

It’s about perseverance.

It’s about showing up when it’s hard.

It’s about joy in discomfort.

It’s about leaning on others and finding your strength.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re ready to chase your own version of Spartathlon — big or small — I’m here.

Let’s build your journey together.

Reach out at philotimorunningcoach.ca.