Books: The Road to Sparta – retracing the steps of Pheidippides

THE ROAD TO SPARTA
By Dean Karnazes
ALLEN & UNWIN

In 490 BCE, Pheidippides ran for 36 hours straight from Athens to Sparta to seek help in defending Athens from a Persian invasion. This run was the inspiration for the modern day marathon.

Pheidippides was hailed a hero, as he saved the development of Western civilization. The run stands enduringly as one of greatest physical accomplishments in history. Famed ultramarathoner, Dean Karnazes, honours Pheidippides and his Greek heritage by completing the treacherous 153-mile course without the aid of modern endurance nutrition and only eating and drinking what would have been available in 490 BC – things like figs, olives, and cured meats. Through vivid description and telling insights, The Road to Sparta offers readers a rare glimpse into the mind-set and motivation of an extreme athlete during his most difficult and personal challenge to date. Dean Karnazes is the New York Times-bestselling author of the Ultramarathon Man, Run! And 50/50.

Details:

The Road to Sparta
By Dean Karnazes
Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP: $29.99