📜 The Marathon Legend and Origins
Marathon running originated from the legend of the Greek warrior Pheidippides (Pheidippides), who in 490 BC ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens (40 km) to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. According to the legend, after uttering the word "Nenikékamen" (We have won), he fell dead.
Although historians debate the accuracy of the legend, this story inspired the creation of the modern marathon. In 1896, at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, the marathon became the culminating event.
📏 Evolution of the Marathon Distance
The initial marathon distance was not standardized — it varied from 40 to 42 km. At the 1908 London Olympic Games, the distance was extended to 42 195 meters so that the start would be at Windsor Castle and the finish — in front of the royal box in the Olympic Stadium.
In 1921, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) officially approved 42 195 m as the standard marathon distance.
⏱️ Key Moments in Marathon History
| Year | Event | Athlete | Result/Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1896 | First Olympic Marathon | Spyridon Louis (Greece) | 2:58:50 — first Olympic champion |
| 1908 | Standardized Distance | — | 42 195 m became the official distance |
| 1960 | Abebe Bikila Barefoot | Abebe Bikila (Ethiopia) | 2:15:16 — Olympic record running barefoot |
| 1967 | Kathrine Switzer — First Woman | Kathrine Switzer (USA) | Boston Marathon; completed despite an attempt to stop her |
| 2003 | First Sub-2:05 Marathon | Paul Tergat (Kenya) | 2:04:55 at the Berlin Marathon |
| 2019 | Sub-2-Hour Marathon | Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) | 1:59:40 in Vienna (unofficial, special conditions) |
| 2023 | World Record | Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) | 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon (official) |
🌍 World's Most Famous Marathons
Boston Marathon
The oldest annual marathon in the world, held since 1897. One of the six World Marathon Majors.
Berlin Marathon
Known as the fastest marathon in the world — 13 world records have been set here. The flat course is ideal for records.
London Marathon
One of the largest in the world by number of participants (40 000). Known for its charity tradition.
New York City Marathon
The largest marathon in the world (50 000 participants). The route goes through all 5 city districts.
🇱🇹 Lithuanian marathon runners
The marathon tradition in Lithuania began in the early 20th century. The most famous Lithuanian marathon runners: Aleksandras Antipovas (the first Lithuanian to complete a marathon in under 2:15), Remigijus Kančys (multiple-time Lithuanian champion), Živilė Balčiūnaitė (women's record holder). The annual Vilnius Marathon attracts thousands of participants from all over the world.
The most popular Lithuanian marathons: Vilnius Marathon, Kaunas Marathon, Trakai Half Marathon, “We Run Vilnius”.
💡 Interesting Marathon Facts
Speed
Eliud Kipchoge ran at a pace of 2:50 min/km. During the world record, this means an average speed of ~21,1 km/h.
Age
Fauja Singh (India) completed a marathon at the age of 100! He is considered the oldest marathon runner in the world.
Hydration
During a marathon, an athlete loses 2-4 liters of fluids. Even 2% dehydration can reduce performance.
Steps
The average marathon runner takes about 55 000 steps over 42 km. Every step requires energy and endurance.