On 27th September along with the other 332 competitors I will be nervously standing on the start line of the 2013 Spartathlon.
The Spartathlon is widely regarded as one of the toughest ultra-marathon races in the world. It is not enough that it is a 153 mile non-stop race held over tough terrain and in extreme weather conditions from its start at the Acropolis in Athens to a finish which is marked by kissing the foot of the statue of King Leonidas in Sparta. To ensure that only the most prepared, fit and conditioned of athletes can complete it, race runners have to reach each check point before the strict cut-offs, completing the first 81km in less than 9.5 hours and finishing the race in under 36 hours.
I first ran the race in 2011. Having sworn that I would only ever do this race once there is something that draws you back for another go, but this year I will be attempting the double (a distance of 306 miles) which I believe has only ever been done once before. It has certainly never been done by anyone from Britain and no female has attempted it (as far as I’m aware)
Together with SportsPursuit and my clothing sponsor X-Bionic UK we have put together some great prizes which you can win by entering this competition.
I have 36 hours to complete the race from Athens to Sparta, once finished I will then be running back to Athens.
How many total hours do you think it will take me to run both ways?
The nearest time wins the main prize but there are also a few other prizes for the runners up so get guessing!
Entries close on 27th September 2013 @5am UK time (the time the Spartathlon starts)
TO ENTER PLEASE POST A COMMENT ON THE BLOG POST
Many thanks and good luck!
“I will be wearing the marvellous X-Bionic Fennec running shirt, which is designed to keep me at the perfect temperature for the duration of the double. Super hi-tech, but very comfortable too. My clothing sponsor X-BIONIC UK have kindly agreed to offer some prizes for this competition.
“SportPursuit (www.sportpursuit.com) are always on the look out to support everyday people doing extraordinary things so have offered some prizes for the competition”
“SportPursuit have some great deals on top running and sports brands, with new sales up to 70% off starting every week”
Paul Ali
Good luck Mimi I have no doubt that you will complete the challenge. I think it will take you 71 hours in total. See you in a couple of days.
Ian Thomas
All the best for your amazing double Mimi. Stay strong!
As for the competition, it’s very difficult to predict, but I am going for 74hrs obviously a slower return leg)
Best wishes
Ian
Michael Roberts
70 hours..
Good luck! 🙂
Chris Webb
I’ll go for 70hrs 12mins – good luck Mimi!
Matt Dunn
All the very best Mimi! I’m going to plump for 70 hours.
Lenka Istvanova
Good luck, Mimi!!!! I’m just gonna guess really but I think you will make it faster than 77 hours 🙂
Louis Waterman-Evans
My guess is 60 hours total.
Glyn
Good luck Mimi,
I reckon your breeze this in 68hrs 31mins,12 secs
See you in Jan on the Spine Race/ Challenge
Richard moss
Doing it at all is incredible, best of luck, I’ll go for 74 hours.
Graeme Hackland
Best of luck Mimi, amazing challenge, but then you are getting more extreme 🙂 Sub 30 for the race and 31 going back – so I predict 60:12:35
Steve Paul
Hi Mimi,
I think you will complete the double in 63 hours 30 minutes. Good luck x
James Adams
Mimi, would love to be there with you doing this. It’s going to be epic.
I am going to go for 85 hours, should get you there in time for the ball 🙂
Rich Cranswick
Best of British Mimi. It’ll be approx. 73:17:28.34
Abradypus
71 hours, 59 mins. Just don’t get pulled over and questioned by the police – I’ve heard it can add hours to your time.
Jennifer Bradley
Mimi, you’re a wonderful inspiration – have a great time and I reckon 79 hours; of course even if it’s 100 hours it’ll be incredible!! Jx
emre
78hr 17 min good luck and be healthy… that would be our wish…