At 7:30 a.m., he ran 45 km in 2 hours 56 minutes 30 seconds, achieving a pace of 3:55 per kilometer.

At 2:00 p.m., he continued with 43 km in 2 hours 54 minutes 43 seconds, maintaining a 4:00 pace. He finished the day at 7:00 p.m., completing 42 km in 2 hours 59 minutes 37 seconds with a 4:15 pace.

All runs were completed on a track, demonstrating extraordinary physical and mental endurance.

Zisimopoulos is a prominent figure in ultrafondo, long-distance running exceeding the marathon distance (42.195 km), often reaching 100 km, 246 km like the Spartathlon, or even continuous runs of 24-48 hours.

He is a four-time Spartathlon champion – a 246 km ultramarathon from Athens to Sparta, Greece – and broke the 39-year-old record in 2023, finishing in 19 hours 55 minutes 2 seconds.

Beyond the Spartathlon, Fotis has placed in the top 3 in renowned ultra trail races like the Transgrancanaria, Ultra Sierra Nevada, and Tenerife Bluetrail.

Fotis Zisimopoulos breaks the Spartathlon record in 2023, completing 246 km in 19 hours 55 minutes 2 seconds. Photo: Amna

Fotis Zisimopoulos breaks the Spartathlon record in 2023, completing 246 km in 19 hours 55 minutes 2 seconds. Photo: Amna

A police officer and vegetarian, Fotis is known for his reserved nature and the nickname "El Fantasma" (The Ghost) due to his late-night training habits and infrequent public appearances.

"I often go to the track at 2:00 a.m. while my family is asleep and return in time for breakfast," Fotis revealed. He has also posted on social media about running 100 km at a 4:15 pace, demonstrating his meticulous preparation for ultra-distances.

Hong Duy (Mundo Deportivo)