In The Road to Sparta famed ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes explores the story of the world's first marathon, all while recreating the historic 153-mile run from Athens to Sparta in one of the most difficult ultra races in the world - the Spartathlon. In 490 BCE Pheidippides ran for 36 hours straight from Athens to Sparta to seek help in defending Athens from a Persian invasion. 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. Karnazes honors Pheidippides and his Greek heritage by completing the treacherous course without the aid of modern endurance nutrition and only eating and drinking what would have been available in 490 BCE. 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.