First published 2018
Dean Karnazes sets out to recreate one of history's most legendary runs. In 490 BCE, Pheidippides sprinted 153 miles from Athens to Sparta in 36 hours, seeking military aid against Persian invaders at Marathon. His mission helped preserve the development of Western civilization and gave birth to the modern marathon. Now Karnazes honors both Pheidippides and his own Greek ancestry by attempting this ancient route himself. He commits fully to the historical experience, refusing modern sports nutrition and surviving only on foods available 2,500 years ago: figs, olives, and cured meats. As Karnazes pushes his body across the grueling terrain, he confronts his most demanding personal challenge yet. The book reveals the inner workings of an extreme athlete's mind through detailed accounts and internal struggles. This journey becomes both a tribute to an ancient hero and a test of modern human endurance.
Genres: biography, history, adventure, sports
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-figure, personal-challenge
Setting: Athens, Marathon, Sparta
Period: 490 BCE
304 pages · Paperback · Allen & Unwin