The History of Marathons: From Ancient Legends to Modern Races

Reviving the Legend: The Birth of the Modern Olympic Marathon

The modern marathon, as we know it today, owes its creation to the vision of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Olympics. Inspired by the tale of Pheidippides and aiming to integrate the spirit of Ancient Greece into the modern athletic competition, de Coubertin included a marathon race in the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896.

The inaugural marathon at the 1896 Olympics was a 40-kilometer race from Marathon Bridge to the Olympic Stadium in Athens. Greek water-carrier Spyridon Louis emerged as the victor, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 50 seconds. The success of the race prompted the establishment of the Boston Marathon the following year, which remains the oldest annual marathon to this day.

The Standardization of the Marathon Distance

While the first modern marathons were not standardized in terms of distance, the 1908 Olympic Games in London played a pivotal role in defining the official marathon distance. Initially set at 25 miles, the length of the marathon was extended by an additional 385 yards (approximately 352 meters) to accommodate a request from Queen Alexandra to move the starting line closer to Windsor Castle. This adjustment brought the total distance to 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers, the official marathon distance recognized internationally.

The 1908 London Olympic marathon is also noteworthy for an unforgettable moment that further contributed to the race’s allure. Italian runner Dorando Pietri, in his desperate bid for victory, collapsed near the finish line in the Olympic Stadium. With the help of race officials, he managed to complete the race but was disqualified due to receiving assistance. Nevertheless, the outpouring of sympathy for Pietri resulted in a special medal from Queen Alexandra.

The Growing Popularity of Marathons

After the establishment of the modern Olympic marathon and the success of races such as the Boston Marathon, the popularity of marathons began to soar. The Kosice Marathon, founded in 1924 in Slovakia, stands as Europe’s oldest marathon. In 1947, the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan started and quickly gained recognition as one of the world’s premier marathons. Additional races emerged worldwide, and the marathon became a symbol of human potential and endurance. The largest marathon in history to date still being the NYC Marathon Drawing in over 50,000 people from around the world each year, could easily be its own Olympic event.

Throughout the 20th century, marathons continued to resonate with athletes and spectators alike. The achievements of elite runners, including the breaking of world records, captivated the public’s attention and inspired countless individuals to attempt this ultimate test of physical and mental fortitude. Marathon races expanded globally, offering participants a chance to challenge themselves and experience the unique atmosphere that surrounds these iconic events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To further explore the world of marathons, here are some frequently asked questions: