Marathon

Any endurance event, sport, entertainment or otherwise, is a marathon. The name originates in ancient Greece. Legend states an Athenian Greek soldier ran from the city of Marathon to the city of Athens to announce the defeat of the Persians under King Darius, in the Battle of Marathon. The triumph at Marathon was the Athenian’s first important victory. The race to spread the news was a major contribution to the world of endurance sports. The Olympics sanctioned the event in the advent of the Modern Olympics in 1896 in Athens, Greece. It was a male-only race.

At this time and until 1921, the distance changed for almost every Olympic game. Finally, the official length became a set 26 miles 385 yards or 42.195 km. The route, however, has always been either on road or off trail. It can be in a straight, flat line or involve hills or high areas of land. It is the length, which makes it a Marathon.

Organizers schedule Marathon running in one of two ways. One method they use to start of the race is a mass start. This means all racers start at the same time. Alternatively, when the participants are of different sexual categories or capabilities, a wave start is used. This means the runners start at separate times.

There are many running marathons organized around the globe. In fact, there are approximately 800 annual marathon events. They include the Paris Marathon held in April on the Champs-Elysees and the Country Music Marathon held in Nashville Tennessee in April. This year, the Paris Marathon celebrates its 31st year, while the Country Music Marathon is only in its eighth year.

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Other marathons across the United States include

• Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati
  
• St. Louis Marathon, the Spirit of St. Louis, in April
  
• San Francisco Marathon in its 30th year in 2007
  
• Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth
  
• Shamrock Marathon in March at Virginia Beach, Virginia
  
• Twin Cities Marathon in October by St. Minneapolis and St. Paul
  

There are also international marathons, including the Rome Marathon. In 2007, “The largest marathon in Italy,” ran its 12th race. The Kracow Marathon and the Budapest Marathon are two other international marathons. The Kracow Marathon originated in 2006 and starts off at 9a.m. in Bloni Park. It ends in the Old Town of Blonia. The Budapest Marathon, in Budapest, Hungary, takes place in September. All participants receive a free ticket to the Szecheny’s Bath.