- The modern marathon is named after a mythical Greek soldier named Pheidippides. The myth says that the Greeks and Persians fought in the Battle of Marathon. After the battle, Pheidippides ran back to Athens, bringing news that the Greeks had beat the Persians. The story was mentioned in Greek poems, effectively connecting the name "marathon" with long-distance runs.
- The standard distance for a marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards, or 42.195 kilometers. The distance has changed numerous times, with the length of the marathon fluctuating seven times since 1896. In 1921, the Olympic committee finally standardized the distance of a marathon and it has remained the same ever since.
- A marathon is usually conducted on a road where the slope of the ground is relatively level and the distance can be easily monitored. Race conductors measure the distance of the marathon and set distance markers to notify runners of their progress. A start zone is also set up from which runners will start the race. This zone also usually acts as the finish area, thus requiring runners to complete a full loop. Timing mechanisms are placed on a runner's bib or on the runner's shoe to ensure an accurate finish time down to the split second. A marathon always has a set start time at which all runners begin the race. There is no set finish time, with runners finishing throughout the day until the last runner crosses the finish line.
- There are more than 700 marathons conducted around the world every year, with many of these marathons held according to the specifications of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. Of the official AIMS-sanctioned marathons, five of the biggest include marathons in the United States (Boston, New York City and Chicago) and Europe (London and Berlin). However, smaller marathons are conducted on every continent, including in many exotic locales (such as Honolulu, Hawaii).
- Running a marathon requires considerable planning and training. A marathon is based on endurance. To prepare for a marathon, runners must train daily by running short sprints as well as long distances. The training period also includes a careful diet that focuses on providing the runner with energy and lean protein. Runners should then rest briefly before the actual marathon to give their body time to recover from the training. During the race, runners must be attentive to their body's needs and remain hydrated. After a marathon, runners must deal with body pains and a suppressed immune system due to the stress of the race.
Comments
Magentaslb said
on 10/20/2009 How interesting...thanks fo rthe history lesson!