Greece and the origin of the Marathon | Know the history

Italy and Greece are regarded as the cradles and origins of many elements that underpin Western civilisation. Among their many contributions are the Olympic Games and, of course, the marathon—an iconic 42,195‑metre race celebrated around the world. But have you ever wondered about the fascinating origins of the marathon?

The Origin of the Marathon: Between Myth, Legend, and Reality

The history of the marathon begins many years ago in Athens. The name marathon is said to derive from the legend of Pheidippides—a Greek messenger whose mission was to run from Marathon to Athens to announce the Athenian victory against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC). Here, Marathon refers both to the name of the town and the historic battleground of that significant conflict.

The distance between Marathon and Athens is about 40 kilometres, and Pheidippides is reputed to have raced this distance in a desperate bid to alert the Athenians—who feared that a defeat would have led to a devastating invasion. According to the legend, he accomplished this heroic feat, and, upon reaching Athens exhausted, collapsed at the city gates, shouting: “We have won!”

Is the Legend About the Origin of the Marathon Accurate?

While this tale is undoubtedly inspiring, historians continue to debate its accuracy. Some sources suggest that Pheidippides may have covered an even greater distance—up to 240 kilometres from Athens to Sparta on another occasion—casting further doubt on the traditional story as we know it.

The Marathon and the Olympic Games

At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, organisers sought an event that would recall the glory of ancient Greece. It was then that the story of Pheidippides and the Battle of Marathon was revived. The inaugural Olympic marathon was held on 10 April 1896, with Greek runner Spyridon Louis winning in 2:58:50.

However, the distance varied from one Games to the next until, at the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the route was officially standardised. To accommodate the royal family’s viewing needs – starting at Windsor Castle and finishing at the Olympic Stadium – the organisers extended the race to 42,195 metres. This distance has since become the international standard, providing a consistent challenge for runners worldwide.

Women and the Origin of the Marathon

Today, it is common to see hundreds of women starting, enjoying, and finishing marathons. However, not too long ago, female athletes were excluded from long-distance events. In the 1970s, despite the progress made in Olympic sport, women were still barred from competing in marathons, and the struggle to establish a women’s Olympic marathon was, in itself, a long-distance race for equality.

Before the 1980s, There Were No Women’s Distance Races in the Olympic Games

Although women first competed in the Olympics in 1928, their events were limited to races of up to 800 metres. On that occasion, while German runner Lina Radke set a world record in the 800‑metre race, many athletes struggled on the track due to inadequate training. As a result, Olympic organisers long deemed long-distance running unsuitable for women – and races over 200 metres were off-limits until the 1960s. At the 1980 Moscow Games, the longest women’s race was just 1,500 metres.

The marathon has been a fixture in the men’s athletics programme since the 1896 Athens Olympics, and it wasn’t until the 1984 Los Angeles Games that a women’s marathon was officially included.

And What About Women in Popular Marathons?

Before 1972, women were officially excluded from the Boston Marathon. Yet, many found a way to participate covertly – in 1966, Roberta Gibb hid behind a bush at the start of the race, joining in unofficially and finishing with a time of 3:21:25. The following year, race official attempts to stop Kathrine Switzer – who had been assigned the number 261 – became legendary when her fellow runners shielded her from being removed. Kathrine Switzer went on to finish the race in 4:20, and the resulting media coverage sparked debates that eventually led to the inclusion of women in marathon events.

Breaking Barriers in the 1970s

On 31 August 1971, Adrienne Beames of Australia became the first woman to complete a marathon in under three hours, clocking in at 2:46:30. Then, on 28 October 1973, the first official women’s marathon was held in Waldniel, West Germany.

Why is the Marathon 42.195 Metres?
The distance was cemented during the 1908 London Olympic Games when the race was extended to allow the route to start at Windsor Castle and finish at the Olympic Stadium. This adjustment set the standard at 42.195 metres, a distance that has been adopted worldwide, providing a consistent and formidable challenge for runners.

Discover Greece with Exoticca UK

If the remarkable history of the marathon intrigues you, why not explore Greece’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage with Exoticca UK? Experience the splendour of the land that inspired this iconic race and walk in the footsteps of legendary runners. Immerse yourself in the ancient stories that shaped the marathon as we know it today.

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