The true story of the origin of the first marathon race is intertwined with historical facts and elements of legend. Although the legend is popular, the real story is a little different and is based on concrete historical events.
The Battle of Marathon
The Battle of Marathon occurred in 490 BC, when the Athenian army defeated the Persians on the battlefield of Marathon, a town located about 42 kilometers northeast of Athens. This victory was crucial for the Greeks and is widely documented in history.
According to popular history, a messenger named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory and died of exhaustion. However, this version is not a verified historical fact.
The historical accounts of Herodotus, a contemporary Greek historian of the events, do not mention this specific race from Marathon to Athens. They do describe that the messenger was sent from Athens to Sparta, to request help before the battle. He covered around 240 kilometers in two days.
Creation of the modern marathon
The modern marathon distance is based on this mix of history and legend. In 1896, when the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, they decided to include a long-distance race as a commemoration. The winner was the Greek Spiridon Louis, who became a national hero after his victory. His time was 2 hours, 58 minutes and 50 seconds.
The approximate distance of 40 kilometres is based on the distance between Marathon and Athens. However, the official distance of the marathon is 42.195 kilometres and was established at the London Olympics in 1908. The British royal family wanted the race to finish in front of the royal box.
The current marathon
Today, marathons are held all over the world, from big cities to small towns. These races bring together professional and amateur athletes, all united by the desire to push their limits. The Boston Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Berlin Marathon, and the Tokyo Marathon are some of the most prestigious and well-known marathons worldwide. Each of these marathons has its own charm and challenge, attracting runners from all over the world.
For many years, women were not allowed to officially participate in marathons. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, registered under the name “KV Switzer.” The organizers tried to remove her from the race, but she managed to finish it. Finally, in 1984, women competed in the Olympic marathon for the first time at the Los Angeles Games.
Established in 1897, the Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious. There are also marathons in unusual and extreme locations, such as the North Pole Marathon, the Antarctic Marathon, or the Great Wall of China Marathon, which includes thousands of steps and very uneven terrain. Meanwhile, marathons held in major cities, such as New York, Berlin, Tokyo, and Chicago, attract tens of thousands of runners and spectators, and are also cultural festivals that showcase the best of each city.
The marathon is a race full of history, challenges and achievements. Every runner who crosses the finish line becomes part of this rich tradition, carrying with them a legacy of effort and personal improvement and facing their own physical and mental challenges.
