In 490 BC after the battle at the city of Marathon, the ancient Greek warrior Phidippides (or Phillippides, is not known for certain) ran from the battlefield to Athens to tell about the victory. After one phrase, he died. It is not known for certain whether this event was actually or not, since there are no documentary sources.
What is a marathon now? This is a long distance race included in athletics.
The world's first marathon
In Greece in 1896, the world's first Olympics took place. The program of the Olympic Games was a marathon. Before the race the participants were 17. On the eve of the competition, several athletes refused to run due to the heat. As a result of a fierce struggle between athletes from Australia, France and Greece, the victory was won by Greek Spyros Louis, who managed to overcome his first and only marathon. Its distance was 40 kilometers. He managed to run this distance in 2 hours 58 meters and 50 seconds.
Spyros Louis became a national hero. The stadium in Athens is named after him.
Interesting Facts
The race distance changed several times. The Olympics in London in 1908 was notable for the fact that the start was shifted to Windsor Castle. So the queen wished. She decided to personally see the start of the race. Athletes ran a marathon, the distance of which was increased by 2 km 195 m.
After that, in 1921, the final distance was approved. It amounted to 42 km 195 m and has remained unchanged to this day.
The marathon became popular in the USA in 1970. Over 700 runners covered the distance in less than 3 hours.
In 1966, in Boston, a woman learned what a marathon is, from her own experience and managed to overcome the distance in 3 h 20 m, despite the ban of the organizers. Since 1984, the fair sex is allowed to participate in the marathon race at the Olympics.
Every year the popularity of this sport is growing. Among the participants there are people over 70 years old.
Until 2004,
marathon records were not recognized. This is due to the fact that competitions are held on different tracks. If in Athens the roads are covered with cobblestones, then in Boston - asphalt. Different elevation, different climate. Such a difference does not guarantee the same conditions for setting a record.
The modern rules of the marathon more accurately determine what the course should be.
What is a marathon? How is the race going?
All comers choose mileage, distance, pre-register on the site, pay the registration fee.
A marathon usually begins with a mass start. Participants are given equipment with the symbols of the race. Throughout the distance (at certain kilometers) there are points with water, wet sponges.
Each competition pre-determines the control time for which you need to overcome the distance. On average, it is 6 hours.
Only persons over 18 are allowed to participate. Those under the age of 18 can compete at shorter distances.
All participants require a doctor’s certificate for admission.
How to run a marathon?
A marathon is not only a distance of 42 km 195 m, it is also many kilometers that an athlete runs up to before the competition.
Any healthy person can prepare and learn from personal experience what a marathon is. First you need to learn the right running technique. You also need to train endurance in order to overcome long distances. You can take part in competitions at shorter distances - 5 km, 10 km, half marathon 21 km 97.5 m.
After you can try a full marathon. Preparation time may take approximately 17 weeks.
Where can I participate?
In Russia, large-scale mass races are held throughout the country. The largest of them are: Siberian, Konjak, Moscow, White Nights, Omsk half-marathon-handicap, Christmas.
Participants of the competition are presented with equipment with the symbols of the marathon, and those who have reached the finish are presented with souvenirs, a certificate, which indicates a personal result.
The world's largest marathons are in the World Marathon Majors league. These are commercial competitions with a large prize pool. There are 6 such marathons in total, they are held in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo. Registration of participation begins long before the date of competition and usually ends in a matter of days. These are the most prestigious marathons in the world. Both professional athletes and runners take part in them.
The essence of the marathon is overcoming a long distance. Not everyone gets to the finish line, but the one who achieved this is a real hero.