October 2
PHIDIPPIDES DAY
If you’re a glutton for punishment by running the marathon ... or if you just wonder why folks put themselves through such a grueling activity, this day is for you.
Legend has it that, on this day in the year 490 B.C., a trained runner by the name of Phidippides of Athens, completed his mission to seek help against the invading Persian army. Phidippides had run for two days and two nights to the city of Sparta, about 140 miles away. Under religious law, he could not get the needed help until after the next full moon. And so, he ran the 140 miles again, returning to Athens without Spartan troops.
The Athenians had no time to wait for the Spartan troops; however, they were still able to win the battle against the Persians at Marathon. Wounded, Phidippides took to the road again, running the 26 miles from Marathon to Athens to carry the news of the victory. His last words before he collapsed and died, “Rejoice, we are victorious.”
In honor of Phidippides, the 26-mile marathon became part of the Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. A year later, the Boston Marathon was held for the first time, making it the oldest marathon race in the United States.
At the Olympic games in London in 1908, 385 yards were added to the 26-mile marathon in order for the runners to pass King Edward VII’s royal box in White City Stadium. This 26.2 mile distance was made the official Olympic marathon distance in 1924 at the Paris Olympics.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
No portion of these files may be reproduced without the express, written permission of 440 International Inc.
