What is a marathon, history and facts

In 490 BC. After the battle of the city of Marathon, the ancient Greek warrior Fidippid (or Phillipid, precisely not known) ran from the battlefield to Athens to tell about the victory. After one sentence, he died. It is not known for certain whether this event was in fact or not, as there are no documentary sources.

What is a marathon now? This is a long distance race, included in track and field athletics.

The world's first marathon

In Greece in 1896 the world's first Olympics took place. In the program of the Olympic Games there was a marathon. Before the race participants were 17. On the eve of the competition because of the heat, several athletes refused to flee. As a result of a fierce struggle between athletes from Australia, France and Greece, the Greek won Spiros Luis, who managed to overcome his first and only marathon. His distance was 40 kilometers. He managed to run this distance for 2 h 58 m and 50 sec.

Spiros Luis became a national hero. In his honor the stadium in Athens is named.

Interesting Facts

The distance of the race changed several times. The Olympics in London in 1908 was remarkable in that the start was shifted to the Windsor Castle. So the queen wished. She decided to see the start of the race personally. Athletes ran a marathon, the distance of which was increased by 2 km 195 m.

Already after, in 1921, the final distance was approved. It was 42 km 195 m and remained unchanged to this day.

The marathon became popular in the USA in 1970. Over 700 runners overcame the distance in less than 3 hours.

In 1966, in Boston, a woman learned what a marathon was, by her own experience and managed to overcome the distance in 3 hours 20 meters, despite the ban of the organizers. Since 1984, representatives of the fair sex are allowed to participate in the marathon race at the Olympics.

Every year the popularity of this sport is growing. Among the participants there are people older than 70 years.

Until 2004, records for the marathon run were not recognized. This is due to the fact that the competitions are held on different routes. If the roads in Athens are covered with cobblestones, then in Boston - asphalt. Different heights, different climate. Such a difference does not guarantee the same conditions for setting a record.

Modern rules of the marathon more accurately determine what the route should be.

What is a marathon? How is the race going?

Everyone chooses the mileage, distance, pre-registration on the site, pays an organizational fee.

The marathon usually starts with a mass start. Participants are given equipment with the symbols of the race. Throughout the distance (at certain kilometers) there are points with water, wet sponges.

Each competition determines in advance the control time for which it is necessary to overcome the distance. On average, it is 6 hours.

Persons over 18 years of age are allowed to participate. Those who are under the age of 18 can compete at shorter distances.

All participants require a certificate from the doctor for admission.

How to run a marathon?

A marathon is not only a distance of 42 km 195 m, it's also many kilometers that the athlete runs up to the competition.

Any healthy person can prepare and learn on personal experience what a marathon is. First you need to learn the correct technique of running. Also you need to train endurance in order to overcome long distances. You can take part in competitions for smaller distances - 5 km, 10 km, half marathon 21 km 97.5 m.

Then you can try a full marathon. Preparation time can take about 17 weeks.

Where can I participate?

In Russia, large-scale mass races are held throughout the country. The most large-scale of them: Siberian, Konzhak, Moscow, "White Nights", Omsk half marathon-handicap, Christmas.

Competitors are given equipment with the symbol of the marathon, and those who reached the finish - souvenirs, a certificate, where the personal result is indicated.

The world's largest marathons are in the league of World Marathon Majors. This is a commercial competition with a large prize pool. There are 6 such marathons, they are held in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo. Registration of participation begins long before the date of the competition and usually ends in a matter of days. These are the most prestigious marathons of the world. Both professional athletes and joggers take part in them.

The essence of the marathon is overcoming a long distance. Not everyone gets to the finish line, but the one who achieved this is a real hero.