Running the distance: Marathon ( 2 Min Read )
A little of the world’s most famous, long & arduous undertaking. Hopefully this shouldn’t be exhausting.
According to a legend the Greek soldier Pheidippides ran 40 kms non stop from a battlefield near the town of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek’s victory over the invading Persians. He collapsed and died due to exhaustion after the announcement. Like most legends, this one too is disputed by historians.
But the idea for the modern Marathon was inspired by this legend and to commemorate his dramatic run, it was introduced in the 1896 Olympic Games at Athens and a distance of 40 kms was set. The event was designed to show case the Greek’s pride and fittingly the race was won by the Greek athlete Spyros Louis, a former soldier. He became a national hero overnight and received gifts from many, ranging from jewellery to a lifelong free shave at a barber shop.
At the 1908 London Olympics, the Marathon started off from lawns of Windsor Castle and finished in front of the Royal Box at the Olympic stadium so that the Royal family can witness the finish line. That distance happened to be 26 miles and 385 yards. In 1921 the length of the Marathon was formally standardized at 26.2 Miles or 42.195 kms.
The Men’s Marathon was, and remains the closing event of the Olympic Games, ending in the stadium to the cheering crowds.
The Six Marathon Majors- The most renowned:
Boston Marathon: Established in 1897, is the oldest, on the Third Monday of April. The event attracts on an average 30,000 participants from all over the world. Celebrities who wish to participate have to meet the stringent qualifying standards or they have to be running to raise funds for charity.
London Marathon: Established in 1981, held on a Sunday in October. Every year more than 40,000 people participate. Besides more than 100 official Guinness World record attempts, couples have been known to get married halfway through the marathon, so look out for the wedding dresses!.
New York Marathon: Established in 1970, is the largest, held every first Sunday of November. Over 50,000 runners participate representing more than 150 countries. The first race featured just 127 runners, and only 55 of them managed to complete the course.
Berlin Marathon: Established in 1974,reputed as the fastest Marathon in the world, with six of men’s and three of women’s world records have been set here. It is held on the last weekend of September. Over 40,000 participate and more than a million spectators line the streets to cheer the runners. BMW is the Primary Sponsor.
Chicago Marathon: Established in 1977, is the favourite to many runners due to its flat course which makes it ideal for registering the personal best times.It is held on a weekend in October and restricted to a maximum of 45,000 runners. Bank of America is the Primary Sponsor.
Tokyo Marathon: Established in 2007, is the latestMarathon added to the ‘World Marathon Majors’. It is held on a weekend in February-March and is restricted to a maximum of 30,000 participants. Incredibly, over 2 million spectators cheer the runners and 10,000 volunteers ranging from 15 to 91 years old from length and breadth of Japan, ensure that this great event runs without a hitch.
“ Running is the greatest Metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it” – Oprah Winfrey