Marathon: Ancient Legend, Modern Race, and First Winner

Who was the first person to run a marathon?

While the legendary figure of Pheidippides is often associated with the first marathon-like run in ancient Greece, the first person to win the modern Olympic marathon race was Spiridon Louis at the inaugural Athens Games in 1896.

The Ancient Marathon: A Tale of Pheidippides

The concept of the marathon race is rooted in ancient Greek history, specifically the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. This legendary event serves as the foundational narrative for one of the most grueling and celebrated endurance events in modern sport.

• The Battle of Marathon: This pivotal battle saw the Athenian army decisively defeat the invading Persian forces near the town of Marathon, approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) northeast of Athens.
• Pheidippides' Legendary Run: According to historical accounts, most notably from the Greek historian Herodotus (though his version differs slightly), a professional long-distance runner (a hemerodromos) named Pheidippides was dispatched from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of the Athenian victory. He is said to have run the entire distance without stopping, proclaimed "Nike!" (Victory!), and then collapsed and died from exhaustion.
• The Distance: The exact distance of Pheidippides' legendary run from the battlefield to Athens would have been roughly 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles). It's important to note that Herodotus's primary account actually describes Pheidippides running from Athens to Sparta (a much longer distance of over 240 km or 150 miles) to seek aid before the battle, not after. The post-battle run is a later, more romanticized version attributed to Plutarch and Lucian.
• The Outcome: Regardless of the precise historical accuracy, the image of a single runner sacrificing himself for the sake of delivering vital news became a powerful symbol of human endurance and patriotic duty.

The Birth of the Modern Marathon

The modern marathon race was not a direct continuation of ancient athletic traditions but rather an invention of the late 19th century, inspired by the legend of Pheidippides.

• The Olympic Games Revival: When the first modern Olympic Games were planned for Athens in 1896, the organizers sought to incorporate events that honored Greek history and mythology.
• Michel Bréal's Proposal: It was the French philologist Michel Bréal who suggested the inclusion of a long-distance foot race, specifically proposing a course from Marathon to Athens, directly referencing the legendary run of Pheidippides. This idea was enthusiastically embraced by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games.
• The Original Route: The route chosen for the 1896 Olympic marathon closely followed the supposed path of Pheidippides, covering a distance of approximately 40 kilometers (24.85 miles), starting in Marathon and finishing in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

The First Modern Marathon Winner: Spiridon Louis

The inaugural Olympic marathon was a highly anticipated event, imbued with national pride and historical significance for Greece.

• The 1896 Athens Olympics: On April 10, 1896, seventeen athletes, thirteen of whom were Greek, lined up at the starting point in Marathon. The race was a grueling test of endurance, run in challenging conditions.
• Spiridon Louis's Victory: Spiridon Louis, a Greek water-carrier from the village of Marousi, emerged as the victor. Louis, who had not been a prominent runner before the Games, used his local knowledge of the terrain and his natural stamina to his advantage. He completed the course in 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 50 seconds, entering the Panathenaic Stadium to a thunderous ovation from the jubilant crowd.
• Significance: Louis's victory was met with immense national celebration, solidifying his status as a national hero and cementing the marathon's place as a cornerstone of the Olympic Games.

Distinguishing Ancient Legend from Modern Sport

It is crucial for students of exercise science and fitness enthusiasts to differentiate between the legendary account of Pheidippides and the documented history of the modern marathon.

• Historical Accuracy vs. Athletic Event: Pheidippides' run is a powerful myth that inspired a sporting event. While its historical accuracy as a post-battle run is debated, its symbolic power is undeniable. Spiridon Louis's victory, on the other hand, is a well-documented athletic achievement that marked the beginning of a new era in endurance sports.
• Evolution of the Distance: The marathon distance was standardized to 42.195 kilometers (26 miles 385 yards) for the 1908 London Olympics, specifically to accommodate the British Royal Family's desire for the race to start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the Royal Box at the Olympic Stadium. This distance was officially adopted in 1921 and remains the standard today.

The Marathon's Enduring Legacy

The marathon, born from a blend of ancient legend and modern athletic ambition, has evolved into a global phenomenon, symbolizing the pinnacle of human endurance and mental fortitude.

• A Test of Endurance: From its mythical origins to its modern competitive format, the marathon continues to challenge athletes to push their physical and mental limits, embodying the spirit of perseverance.
• Global Phenomenon: Thousands of marathons are now held annually worldwide, attracting millions of runners of all abilities, from elite professionals to recreational participants.
• Lessons for Modern Athletes: The history of the marathon, from Pheidippides' legendary effort to Louis's historic win, underscores fundamental principles of endurance physiology: the importance of pacing, hydration, mental resilience, and the sheer capacity of the human body to cover vast distances. Understanding this rich history provides a deeper appreciation for the physiological demands and psychological triumphs inherent in long-distance running.