The Athens International Ultramarathon Festival 2013 kicks off on Monday with the start of the 6 Day Race. German superstar Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk makes a return to Glyfada as does countrywoman Martina Hausmann. Back too, after his memorable performance is last years 1000 mile race winner, Nikitas Nomikos. A field of 21 runners has signed up with a strong international flavour with womens favourite, Sarah Barnett making the long journey from Australia. Five women provide the field for the first 6 day race of the year.
The 72 hour race has a smaller field of 9 runners but a surprisingly big crowd for the 48 hour – 34 runners.
The 24 hour lists 56 runners including Another Australian, Hershey Donald and an American, Berd Douglas. It will be interesting to see who shows up. Last year in the 1000 mile/km half of the field DNS.
There are few ultras in Greece apart from Spartathlon. There’s the Olympus Mythical Trail and a few stage races but very few track or road 24 hour events. Costas Baxevanis has to be commended for continuing to host the Ultra Festival and we wish him the best in his endeavours leading the way in providing vegetarian food for ultrarunners in Greece.
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