The Legend of the Marathon
From the plains of Marathon in ancient Greece to the streets of Boston, London, and Tokyo— discover how a legendary run in 490 BC inspired the world's most iconic endurance race.
Pheidippides and the Birth of a Race
In September 490 BC, the Persian Empire launched an invasion of Greece, landing a massive army on the plains of Marathon, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Athens.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Athenian army achieved a stunning victory. According to legend, a messenger named Pheidippides (also called Philippides) was dispatched to run from the battlefield to Athens to announce the victory.
Upon reaching the Agora—the central gathering place of Athens—Pheidippides proclaimed the famous words:
"Νενικήκαμεν!"(Nenikékamen! — "We have won!")
Having delivered his message, Pheidippides collapsed and died from exhaustion. His sacrifice became a symbol of ultimate dedication and endurance.
The Battle of Marathon
The Battle of Marathon was a pivotal moment in Western civilization. The Persian King Darius I sent a force of approximately 25,000 soldiers to punish Athens for supporting a revolt in Persian-controlled Ionia.
The Athenian army, numbering only about 10,000 hoplites plus 1,000 allies from Plataea, faced seemingly impossible odds. Yet through brilliant tactics devised by General Miltiades, they achieved a decisive victory.
The Greeks lost only 192 men, while Persian casualties numbered around 6,400. This victory preserved Greek independence and allowed the flowering of classical Greek civilization that would shape Western culture.
Historical Note
The historian Herodotus mentions Pheidippides running from Athens to Sparta (about 240 km) to request military aid before the battle. The Marathon-to-Athens run comes from the later writer Lucian. Both stories may have merged in popular memory.
From Ancient Greece to Today
The Battle of Marathon
The Athenian army, vastly outnumbered, defeats the Persian invasion force on the plains of Marathon, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Athens. This victory is considered one of the most significant battles in ancient history.
Pheidippides' Legendary Run
According to legend, the messenger Pheidippides runs from the battlefield to Athens to announce the victory. Upon reaching the Agora, he proclaims "Νενικήκαμεν!" (We have won!) before collapsing from exhaustion.
First Modern Olympic Marathon
At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, the marathon race is introduced. Greek runner Spyridon Louis wins, running from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes.
The 26.2 Mile Standard
At the London Olympics, the marathon distance is set at 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km) to accommodate the royal family's viewing. This becomes the official marathon distance in 1921.
First Spartathlon
The Spartathlon ultra-marathon is established, tracing Pheidippides' other legendary run—246 kilometers from Athens to Sparta, which he reportedly completed in under 36 hours to request military aid.
Global Phenomenon
Over 800 marathons are held annually worldwide, with millions of participants. The six World Marathon Majors attract elite runners and recreational athletes alike.
The Birth of the Modern Marathon
When the Olympic Games were revived in Athens in 1896, the marathon race was created to honor the legendary run of Pheidippides.
Athens 1896: The First Olympic Marathon
The race began in Marathon and finished at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. Greek runner Spyridon Louis, a water carrier, won in approximately 2:58:50, becoming a national hero. His victory in front of 100,000 spectators cemented the marathon's place in Olympic history.
London 1908: The Royal Distance
The marathon distance was extended to 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km) so the race could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box. This distance became the official standard in 1921 and remains so today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a marathon 26.2 miles?
The marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 km) was standardized after the 1908 London Olympics. The course was extended so the race could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box at the Olympic stadium.
Did Pheidippides really run from Marathon to Athens?
The story comes from the writer Lucian, writing about 600 years after the event. The historian Herodotus mentions Pheidippides running from Athens to Sparta (about 240 km) to request aid before the battle, but not the Marathon-to-Athens run. Both stories may have merged over time.
What happened at the Battle of Marathon?
In September 490 BC, a Persian force of approximately 25,000 soldiers landed at Marathon to invade Athens. The Athenian army of about 10,000, aided by 1,000 Plataeans, achieved a decisive victory through superior tactics, killing about 6,400 Persians while losing only 192 Athenians.
Why is the Athens Marathon called "The Authentic"?
The Athens Classic Marathon follows the original route from Marathon to Athens, finishing in the Panathenaic Stadium—the same venue used for the 1896 Olympic marathon. It's the only marathon that runs the historic course.
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Formula 1 History
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NASCAR History
From moonshine runners to America's most popular motorsport.
Ironman History
The ultimate test of human endurance. Swim, bike, run—140.6 miles of glory.
Marathon Races That Honor the Legacy
Athens Marathon "The Authentic"
The only marathon that runs the original historic route from Marathon to Athens, finishing in the Panathenaic Stadium.
Spartathlon
Traces Pheidippides' other legendary run—from Athens to Sparta—which he reportedly completed in under 36 hours.
World Marathon Majors
Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo—the six most prestigious marathons in the world.
Become Part of the Legend
Create a personalized poster commemorating your own marathon achievement— carrying forward the spirit of Pheidippides.