The Road to Sparta is the story of the 153-mile run from Athens to
Sparta that inspired the marathon and saved democracy, as told--and
experienced--by ultramarathoner and New York Times bestselling author
Dean Karnazes.
In 490 BCE, Pheidippides ran for 36 hours straight from Athens to Sparta
to seek help in defending Athens from a Persian invasion in the Battle
of Marathon. In doing so, he saved the development of Western
civilization and inspired the birth of the marathon as we know it. Even
now, some 2,500 years later, that run stands enduringly as one of
greatest physical accomplishments in the history of mankind.
Karnazes personally honors Pheidippides and his own Greek heritage by
recreating this ancient journey in modern times. Karnazes even abstains
from contemporary endurance nutrition like sports drinks and energy gels
and only eats what was available in 490 BCE, such as figs, olives, and
cured meats. Through vivid details and internal dialogs, The Road to
Sparta offers a rare glimpse into the mindset and motivation of an
extreme athlete during his most difficult and personal challenge to
date. This story is sure to captivate and inspire--whether you run great
distances or not at all.