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The marathon is one of the most emblematic events in modern athletics. Its origin blends history and legend, directly linked to the famous Battle of Marathon in Ancient Greece. Today, the 42.195 km of the marathon represent one of the most demanding endurance challenges in distance sport.
Historical Origin of the Marathon
The history of the marathon dates back to 490 BC, during the Battle of Marathon, in which the Athenians defeated the Persian army.
According to tradition, after the Greek victory, a messenger was sent to Athens to announce the outcome of the battle and prevent the execution of a desperate plan by the population.
This messenger is known as Pheidippides (or Pheidippides), though his figure blends history and legend.
The Legend of Pheidippides
The most popular version recounts that Pheidippides ran from the battlefield to Athens (approximately 40 km) to announce the victory over the Persians. Upon arriving exhausted, he is said to have uttered the word “Niké” (victory) before dying.
This story has been passed down through the centuries, though complete historical evidence confirming all its details does not exist.
“Niké” means victory in ancient Greek.
Another version, recorded by the historian Herodotus, indicates that Pheidippides was previously sent to Sparta to request military aid, covering a distance of more than 200 km in a few days.
Why Is the Marathon 42.195 km?
Although the original story speaks of an approximate distance of 40 km, the official distance of the modern marathon was established at 42.195 km during the 1908 London Olympic Games.
This adjustment was made to adapt the course to start at Windsor Castle and finish at the Olympic stadium.
Today, this distance is standard in all official competitions.
The Marathon Today
The marathon is an extreme endurance event that requires physical, mental, and nutritional preparation.
It has become one of the most popular events in world athletics, with millions of recreational runners each year.
There are also historic races inspired by the original legend, such as the Spartathlon, which connects Athens with Sparta (246 km).
Marathon World Records
Below are some of the best marathon times recorded worldwide.
Men’s Record
| Time | Athlete | Country | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:03:59 | Haile Gebrselassie | Ethiopia | 2008 | Berlin |
| 2:04:27 | Duncan Kibet | Kenya | 2009 | Rotterdam |
| 2:04:27 | James Kwambai | Kenya | 2009 | Rotterdam |
| 2:04:55 | Paul Tergat | Kenya | 2003 | Berlin |
| 2:05:10 | Samuel Wanjiru | Kenya | 2009 | London |
Women’s Record
| Time | Athlete | Country | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:15:25 | Paula Radcliffe | United Kingdom | 2003 | London |
| 2:18:47 | Catherine Ndereba | Kenya | 2001 | Chicago |
| 2:19:12 | Mizuki Noguchi | Japan | 2005 | Berlin |
| 2:19:36 | Deena Kastor | USA | 2006 | London |
| 2:19:46 | Naoko Takahashi | Japan | 2001 | Berlin |
Conclusion
The marathon is much more than a race: it is a combination of history, myth, and human performance pushed to the limit. From the legend of Pheidippides to current records, it represents one of the greatest challenges in modern athletics.
Header image: Luc-Olivier Merson https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pheidippides_giving_word_of_victory.jpg
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