Marathon: History and curiosities of 42,195 km

Let's talk about Marathon

Today, I woke up with an idea and the question what is the origin of term "Marathon". Well, I didn't make it to the marathon distance yet, half marathon is my longest distance so far. This doesn't mean that I'm not planing it in the future. I will sure break my legs to achieve that. But, there are a plenty working-hard-days ahead to concur the magical number 42,195 km. 

The origin of the term 

The marathon is a long- distance race with an official distance of 42,195 km, and is usually run as a road race. 

The term derives form two Greek legends. 

According, to one, the soldier was sent to as a messenger from the plains of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to pass the news of the victory by the Greek army over Persians. He shouted: "Rejoice! We concur!" and died of exhaustion.

The second version states that the Greek soldier Pheidippide, ran from Marathon to Athens after winning the Battle of Marathon, so they could defend the capital before more Persian ships arrived.

We can't know for sure what really happened, but one thing is clear: this race became an Olympic event during Athens in 1896, and has closed The Olympics ever since.

The distance of the first Olympic marathon was 41,8 km which is the actual distance between the Greek cities Marathon and Athens .

However, as we all know 41.8 km is not the current distance. During the London games in 1908 the British royal family wanted the race to start at Windsor castle and end in front of the Royal Booth White City Stadium. The distance between those two points is, you guessed it, 42,195 km.

Preparing for half marathon race

Now, that I have defined the term marathon, that is my long term dream, I will be preparing for my first half marathon race that will be held on National park Brijuni , Croatia in March 2021. 

However, I truly admire people that have enough courage, strength, and motivation to run this long distance discipline, because I know how much effort is invested in it.  

There are plenty of ideas streaming on my mind about this breathtaking activity to write and post about in the near future....

Happy Running Guys
Cheers Paola ☝☝☝☝