The History of the Marathon

Pheidippides' heroic run is mostly legend. Yet, it has inspired a race run by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Introduced in Athens in 1896 as a final event of the first modern Olympics, the marathon race is now a global fixture: the embodiment of inspiration, determination, and accomplishment. The Marathon race has served to inspire its participants and their followers to reach new heights, to support fellow runners, to bring attention to important issues, and aspire to a better world for humankind. Like the Olympic Games, which gave the race its start, the Marathon has become a unifying force. The spirit of the Marathon celebrates globalization at its very best: galvanizing national pride through inspirational stories of determination, while providing a global venue for all nations and all people to share their stories.