🏛️ Sparta for All: Why I’m Fighting for a More Inclusive Finish Line
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of tyranny is for good men to do nothing."
That quote has always stuck with me—in life, and in running.
I’ve had the privilege of standing at the start line in Athens five times, the Acropolis rising behind me as darkness was lifted over the city. And I’ve had the pain, joy, and honour of finishing the Spartathlon—feeling my body break, rebuild, and finally hallucinate at the feet of King Leonidas. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
But here’s what I can’t forget either:
As I looked around at my fellow runners—at aid stations, on the course, and at the finish line—I didn’t see many people who looked that different from me. And I asked myself a difficult question: Why not?
The Hard Truth
Ultra running is hard. Spartathlon is harder. No one earns that finish line by accident. But access to that challenge isn’t equal. For too long, the sport has quietly kept its doors half shut, not deliberately—to those without the money, the network, the cultural encouragement, or the role models who show you what’s possible.
Since I started ultra running I’ve seen talent, grit, and potential in runners from all walks of life. So why aren’t they at that start in Herodion Theatre at base of the Acropolis? Honestly, since my first attempt in 2012 and attendance every year, but one since, as either a runner or crew I have not seen many non white middle men from Britian on that start line.
That’s why I want to launch “Sparta for All”—a campaign to open the gates.
This Isn't About Lowering the Bar
Let me be crystal clear:
This isn’t about handouts. It’s not about quotas. It’s about removing invisible barriers that have nothing to do with someone’s ability to run 153 miles in the Greek heat. I am proud to say as one of the founders of the most recent incarnation of British Spartathlon Team, its ethos and aims has always been about
Sharing knowledge that’s often locked inside exclusive circles.
Providing mentorship from runners who’ve been there.
Providing sponsored kt for the runners and crew
What is missing and what the initial aim of “Sparta for All” will be
This campaign will:
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Contact the many British based Ultra running organisation that have a specific aim of promoting diversity like
https://activeinclusionnetwork.com/https://www.rundemcrew.com/
https://www.blacktrailrunners.run/
and indeed any other any one can suggest
Find out what the barriers from their perspective are, coz the last think I want this to be is a white saviour narrative.
Aim to do what we can to remove those barriers
Why It Matters
The Spartathlon taught me things no medal ever could. It taught me that pain is temporary, but purpose is lasting. That finishing isn’t just about strength—it’s about belief, community, and the willingness to suffer with meaning.
I want more people to experience that. I want more runners to know that they belong at the start line, even if they’ve never seen someone like them at the finish.
Because the fight against tyranny—whether in history, in politics, or in sport—isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet choices we make. Like choosing to do something when we see that others are being left out.
This is me doing something.
Will you stand with me?
Sparta for All. Every Mile, Every Voice.
