WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THE ORIGINS OF THE MARATHON?
Most historians agree that the first marathon runner was a man by the name of Pheidippides. Pheidippides was a man born in 530 BC and was an Athean messenger – which most certainly helped him with any form of distance running.
In 490 BC, during the first Persian invasion of Greece, the Battle of Marathon took place. Pheidippides was sent on a run from Athens to Sparta to request help for the battle. Legend has it that he covered a distance of about 225 km / 140 miles, reaching Sparta the day after he set out. Unfortunately, he was informed by the Spartans that they were unable to assist in the war.
Fast forward a bit of time, and the Athenians manage to hold off the Persians, thus famously claiming victory. It’s been said that Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens following the battle. According to the stories, Pheidippides exclaimed to the people of Athens “We have won!” before collapsing and dying from exhaustion.
How far did he run? According to scholars, he ran around 25-26 miles to inform those at home of the result.
The accuracy of these events is still debated among historians. Nevertheless, the intriguing tale captured the interest of the organisers of the modern Olympics at the end of the 19th century. So, Pheidippides remains a legendary figure in the history of the marathon to this very day.