Because the area between the temple and the stadium, which is about 400 meters distant, has not been excavated, we cannot reproduce this aspect of the ancient games. The apodyterion is located just inside the entrance to the stadium park. It was constructed about 300 B.C. with a central courtyard surrounded on three sides by Doric colonnades. Modern athletes who have tried using the oil remark that it increases liquid retention and, thereby, increases stamina. The chiton slips over the head, and the zoni tightened around the waist will allow the length of the chiton to be adjusted to suit.
Most people are most comfortable with it slightly above knee height.
There are six pairs of lanes marked on the track, and six pairs of kleroi. The 12 competitors in each group will run straight down the track for 100 m. to the finish line. This is the race called the stadion although the ancient stadion was actually twice as long, but the Nemean stadium is not preserved to the full ancient length. The toes should be curled to gain purchase over the ancient stone just as the ancient toes were curled. This was a part of the effort to insure an absolutely equal start in antiquity, and if both feet are not in the groove the switch of the Hellanodikes will be felt.