Ultra Marathon race starts in Greece

Twenty five ultra-marathoners from across Greece and the world started on Friday a 255-kilometer non stop race from Delphi at central Greece to the birthplace of the Olympic Games Olympia.

Participants in the 4th annual Dolichos Ultra- Marathon Race, one of the most challenging long distance races internationally, follow in the footsteps of ancient Greek athletes who 25 centuries ago were also running between the two of the most important spiritual and sports centers in ancient times in Greece.

The race kicked off on Friday in front of the archaeological site of Delphi near the sanctuary of Apollo, God of the Sun in Greek mythology, and will end in front of the ancient stadium at Olympia in western Greece, where the first Olympic Games athletes competed.

About a quarter of participants manage to finish the feat, according to Yannis Germakopoulos, one of the key members of the Organizing Committee, and a veteran runner.

Last year in the first participation of a Chinese national in the event, Chen Penbin, ranked third behind Eusebio Bochons from Spain and Haka Sakari from Finland.

The strict time requirement of finish within 48 hours and tough ground conditions through uphill asphalt roads (40 percent of the route) and rocky dirt trails (60 percent) under the hot sun make Dolichos one of the most difficult physical and mental tests even for the most experienced ultra marathoners.

For the organizers, volunteers and spectators of Dolichos who greet the runners along the way all participants are winners regardless of the outcome, since they promote the ideals of friendship, peace and sportsmanship. Endi