I am not a runner but have always been mesmerized by the history behind the 26.2 mile run. I can envision the events in my mind and picture the sprints as they occurred. It is 490 B.C. in Greece and the Persian army has landed in the city of Marathon. Outnumbered 5 to 1, citizens hurriedly send Pheidippides to run to Sparta to get reinforcements. The Spartans refuse to fight just now because a full moon does not bode well. Therefore, this runner races back, 150 miles is the round trip, to fight the Persians. He fights in the battle helping to fell 6,400 Persians and then runs to Athens, 25 miles distant. He collapses and shouts, “Rejoice, we conquer.” Death comes quickly as his body gives way to exhaustion.
This battle and its runner changed the course of history as Greece outmaneuvered Persia and steadily rose in prominence in cultural, military and in intellectual realms. The 1896 Greek Olympic Games celebrated that prowess with a 24.8 mile run. In 1908 however, the games were held in London. Because the royal family wished to see the finish from their viewing box, the course was extended to 26.2 miles and this was cemented as the Olympic norm in 1924.
Does this make you want to run? Some people state that as they run they feel as one with other runners and this creates close friendships. Feelings of power, courage, dogged determination and the ebullience of the crowd advance them to the finish. Perhaps this is life’s microcosm. Running a race gives one the stamina to face circumstances head on. Whatever the motivation, happy running today; life and its history simply press one to move forward.
Did you know? At the 1924 Paris games, wine was served at the fluid replacement stations as it was thought that alcohol decreased fatigue.
“You know you are a runner when you smirk when non-runners ask you, “So how long is this marathon?”
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General References
Dunham, D. (2011. September 7). Retrieved October 1, 2012 from, http://blisstree.com/move/running/back-to-fitness-why-everyone-should-run-a-marathon-703/
Luff, C. (2012, September 1). You know you're a runner when. About.com. Retrieved from, http://running.about.com/od/runninghumor/a/knowyourearunner.htm
Seick, C. (2012, June 28).Retrieved October 1, 2012 from, http://www.walkjogrun.net/blog/index.cfm/2102/6/28/
The history of the marathon. Retrieved October 1, 2012 from, http://www.exercisetherighttoread.org/historyofmarathon.pdf
