The athletic events were intended as training for war.

There were three age groups for contestants.

Boys_ages 12 to 16

Youths_16 to 20

Men_over the age of 20

The boys and youths competed on the second day of the festival.They had five events_the sprint, the pentathlon, the boxing, and 'all-in' wrestling.

The third day was a procession to the agora for all the men'sporting events. Sacrifices, public and private were made.

The contests were held in the Agora until 330 BC. Then the stadium was built.