The Marathon Race, in ancient times, did not exist as a sport, nor was any similar race. French philosopher Michel Breal had the idea to establish it and he persuaded his friend Pierre de Couberder, Secretary General of the French Sports Clubs, to include it in the schedule of the First Olympic Games in Athens, at the end of the 19th century.

 

The Marathon Race took its name from the historic route of the Athenian soldier and messenger Feidippides. When the Athenians learned of the Persians' landing, Marathon Battle 490 BC, they sent Feidippides to seek help from the Spartans. Pheidippides traveled the distance from Athens to Sparta (220 kilometers) in two days, and then he took the road back to take part in the battle. After the battle finished, Feidippides ran again from the battlefield to Athens to convey the news of the Greek victory over the Persians. At the end of the ride with the cry "Nenikamen" he let out his last breath, exhausted.

 

The first Marathon race took place on March 10, 1896, during the Athletics' First Panhellenic Games and was a qualifying event for the Athens Olympics.

Runners, depending on the race they chose, will have the opportunity to meet sights, monuments and important buildings such us, the Monument and Tomb of Fighters at Marathon Battle, the statue of Grigoris Lambrakis to whom is dedicated the Authentic Marathon, the Pentagon and the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, the American Embassy, the Athens Concert Hall, the Park of Liberty with the Eleftherios Venizelos’ statue, the Athens Hilton, the Runner glass sculpture of Kostas Varotsos, the War Museum, the Maximos Mansion, the Presidential Palace, Syntagma Square, and by ending the race at the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Garden and the Discus Thrower Statue.

 

Elval Colour wish all runners to achieve your goal at the finish line but most of all to enjoy this great athletic event.