The First Marathon & The Destination of the First Marathon
Hundred of thousands of people a year take on a marathon, but what are the roots of this event? It’s a story that dates back to 490 BC in Ancient Greece in a story that became a legend. Revived during the first modern-day Olympics in Athens and then fettled with by the British to become what we know today.
The origins of the marathon can be traced back to the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, when Greek forces fought against the invading Persian army. According to legend, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides was dispatched to deliver the news of the victory to the city of Athens, approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. The destination of the first marathon.
Pheidippides is said to have run the entire distance without stopping, exclaiming, "Nenikēkamen!" (We have won!) upon his arrival before collapsing and dying from exhaustion. (This might be the reason it didn’t take off as an event for a pretty long time after) Although historians debate the accuracy of this account, the story has become an enduring symbol of perseverance and determination.
Running the Original Route Today
For those looking to experience the origins of the marathon, the Athens Authentic Marathon offers a unique opportunity to follow in Pheidippides' footsteps. The race takes place each November, featuring a course that closely mirrors the original route. Runners traverse the rolling hills of the Greek countryside, passing significant historical landmarks before finishing at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.
The Athens Authentic Marathon provides a tangible connection to the event's rich history, offering runners the chance to participate in a race that has captivated the world for more than a century. Added bonus we can create our marathon prints and medal displays to show off your Athens Authentic credentials
The reinvention of the marathon & Why are Marathons 26.2 Miles?
The reinvention of the marathon
Pheidippides inspired the modern marathon to run the same route. This first organized marathon race occurred during the inaugural 1896 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The course, designed to commemorate Pheidippides' legendary run, covered approximately 24.85 miles (40 kilometers) from the Marathon Bridge to the Olympic Stadium in Athens.
Seventeen runners from five countries participated, with Greek water carrier Spyridon Louis becoming the first winner of a marathon in modern times. His win was the start of this becoming a permanent fixture in the Olympic games with many events
Why are Marathons 26.2 Miles?
The marathon distance we know today – 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) – is a bit longer than the original marathon in fact it was the British who added those extra 1.35 miles. Why did they change it to 26.2 miles? Well the marathon course was extended to accommodate the royal family, the story is that, Queen Alexandra requested that the race start on the lawn of Windsor Castle (so the littlest royals could watch from the window of their nursery, according to some accounts) and finish in front of the royal box for King Edward VII to have a better view at Wembley Stadium—a distance that happened to be 26.2 miles (26 miles and 385 yards). This distance became the norm, and in 1921 the length for a marathon was formally standardized at 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers).