Why Is a Marathon 26.2 Miles? The Historical past From Historical Greece to At present

Ever puzzled what makes 26.2 miles the magic marathon quantity? It would look like an obscure distance, however there’s historical past behind it… And it leads again to historic Greece.

There’s little question 26.2 miles is a great distance. Many individuals don’t even like driving that far! Even these with a number of marathons really feel daunted by the grueling distance.

Let’s look into why a marathon is a marathon. And the following time you run one, keep in mind the race’s origin story!

Why Is a Marathon 26.2 Miles?

It would look like a random quantity, however there’s historical past behind the marathon’s 26.2 miles. It begins again in historic Greece in 490 BC.

The Legend of Pheidippides: Working From Marathon to Athens

Marathon can also be the title of a metropolis in Greece. Sure, the identical occasion that gave the marathon its distance additionally christened it with its title! The hero of the story is Pheidippides—a member of the Greek army who served as a messenger.

In 490 BC, the Athenian military battled with the Persians. The Greeks had been vastly outnumbered, and Pheidippides ran backwards and forwards between Athens and Sparta to spherical up further troops. In accordance with legend, he lined 153 miles in 36 hours—when you suppose a marathon is unhealthy, think about working that!

However that’s not the place the marathon distance comes from. When the Athenians lastly conquered the Persians, legend says that Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens—a complete of 40 kilometers, or 25 to 26 miles—to ship the information of victory.

Historical past says that after asserting that his military had received the Battle of Marathon, Pheidippides collapsed and died from exhaustion.

The fashionable-day marathon selected the gap as a manner of honoring the brave runner.

The Revival: The Trendy Olympics

The primary fashionable Olympic Video games was held in 1896, based mostly on the traditional Greek Olympics from millennia in the past. Its purpose was to deliver collectively one of the best athletes worldwide for an enormous international occasion.

To place the occasion within the highlight, organizers wished to focus on one particular athletic occasion that they felt would embody the spirit of the Historical Greek video games. Pheidippides’ memorable run stood out.

The primary official fashionable marathon, on the 1896 Athens Olympics, adopted the identical route the messenger ran in 490 BC. On the time, the route measured round 25 miles.

The “main occasion” turned a staple in each Olympics after. Nevertheless it was solely in 1908 that the primary 26.2-mile marathon occurred.

The 1908 London Olympics: A Race Match for Royalty

The Olympic Video games had been held in London in 1908. The marathon occasion was set to start at Windsor Fort and run for 26 miles, ending on the White Metropolis Stadium’s entrance.

Nonetheless, historical past says that Queen Alexandra requested a slight change. She requested that the marathon start on the garden of Windsor Fort, somewhat than exterior the doorway so the royal youngsters may watch from inside their nursery.

This stretched the race to only over 26.2 miles in whole. And the monarch requesting a bit of further distance wasn’t even probably the most controversial factor concerning the race!

The winner, Italian athlete Dorando Pietri, was exhausted when he arrived on the end and needed to be helped by medics earlier than crossing the road.

This induced an uproar amongst different opponents, who felt that the Italian was unfairly supported as he crossed the road. So, the victory was given as an alternative to Johnny Hayes, an American runner.

How the 26.2 Mile Customary Was Set in Stone

Between 1896 and 1921, six completely different marathon distances had been used, though all of them diversified solely barely. So why is a marathon 26.2 miles as an alternative of one thing extra uniform?

In 1921, the Worldwide Beginner Athletic Federation got here collectively to resolve on a set distance, as soon as and for all.

Whereas the Queen’s 1908 race-extension request was a once-off occasion, the committee ultimately settled on 26.2 miles as the ultimate marathon distance. The 1908 marathon was well-known as probably the most thrilling Olympic races, so the gap was chosen to turn into the official marathon size.

The Legacy of the 26.2 Mile Customary

As soon as the official marathon distance had been chosen, marathon tradition took off. And it hasn’t slowed but! Listed here are a number of the thrilling issues that got here from these unique days of marathons.

The Rise of Marathon Tradition

Between Johnny Hayes’ controversial victory and the official announcement of a set distance for the marathon occasion, the race was thrown into the highlight.

Athletes and non-athletes developed a a lot bigger curiosity within the now-26.2-mile marathon occasion, and its historical past, each historic and up to date, made it that rather more fascinating.

Cities the world over started internet hosting marathons. Runners had been excited for a brand new distance, particularly one with a lot historical past behind it. And non-runners had been fascinated by watching athletes compete to complete such a protracted race.

A Image of Human Achievement

Contemplating the marathon was a protracted distance, finishing it turned a logo of human achievement. Marathon winners had been hailed as heroes and appeared as much as by hundreds of runners and non-athletes.

The marathon represented a brand new problem to be conquered. Not solely was it a bodily problem, however it was a psychological one too.

Those that achieved it had been celebrated, and those that wished to run a marathon put it on their bucket lists. Even at the moment, finishing a marathon stays an awesome achievement many aspire to… And it’s nonetheless each bodily and mentally robust!

Improvements In Athletic Gear

As the recognition of marathons grew, a spot appeared out there. Shoe and clothes producers started to contemplate how working a protracted distance like a marathon differed from the “common” distances on the time… And the way the athletes’ footwear and attire may have an effect on their efficiency.

It didn’t occur in a single day, however the marathon performed an enormous position in growing improvements in athletic gear. Extra supportive footwear, extra energetic midsoles, stability options, breathability, anti-chafing attire, and extra all got here out of the “marathon craze.”

A World Working Neighborhood

One other factor that sprung up from the marathon is a passionate international working group. The marathon and its story ignited a love for working in many individuals, and the group has since developed into an enormous group of individuals throughout the globe.

Marathons Across the World: Celebrating 26.2 Miles

Marathons have turn into a worldwide favourite occasion. Runners flock to them to allow them to tick a bucket listing merchandise off. Spectators take part to look at athletes push themselves to the restrict.

Though we now have distances longer than a marathon, it stays the preferred race distance of the day… And perhaps even of all time. Listed here are a number of the oldest and hottest marathons on the planet.

Boston Marathon (USA) – 1897

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest yearly marathon, beginning in 1897—only a yr after the official 1896 Olympic Video games. The historic 1896 marathon impressed the Boston Marathon!

The Boston Athletic Affiliation based the race, and it’s been held yearly since. Through the pandemic in 2020, individuals may do a digital race as an alternative, so the 126-year streak continues to be going sturdy.

Yonkers Marathon (USA) – 1907

Yonkers, New York has a marathon nearly as outdated because the Boston Marathon. Based in 1907, it’s not as properly generally known as a number of the massive ones, however it’s properly value coming into when you’re a marathoner who loves the historical past of the race too.

Košice Peace Marathon (Slovakia) – 1924

The oldest marathon in Europe, the Košice Peace Marathon is held in Košice, Slovakia. It started in 1924, supposed to advertise peace after WWI. The ladies’s race was formally based in 1980.

It’s an awesome alternative for brand spanking new marathoners, because it’s a flat course that’s run in two loops by way of the town middle.

Tokyo Marathon (beforehand Tokyo Worldwide Marathon, Japan) – 1981

The Tokyo Marathon formally started in 2007. Earlier than then, it consisted of two separate occasions—the Tokyo Worldwide Marathon, which came about throughout even-numbered years, and the Tokyo-New York Friendship Worldwide Marathon, run throughout odd-numbered years. In 2007, the races had been mixed into one for ease and comfort.

London Marathon (UK) – 1981

Based in 1981 and held yearly, the London Marathon is the second-largest marathon within the UK. It’s one other flattish course, making it enticing to many runners.

It doesn’t simply have the common marathon although—it additionally has a mass race for the general public, elite wheelchair races, and a 3-mile “mini marathon” for athletes underneath 17.

Berlin Marathon (Germany) – 1974

The Berlin Marathon is a well-liked favourite—it’s flat sufficient for many runners to finish with out being intimidated, and a number of world information have been set on this course.

In addition to an everyday marathon race, it additionally hosts a handcycle race, an inline skating race, a wheelchair race, and an open-to-the-public race.

The New York Metropolis Marathon

The New York Metropolis Marathon is the largest one on the planet. Over 50,000 runners participate yearly, and the race attracts entrants from everywhere in the world. It’s a bucket listing marathon!