Did You Know

The Ultimate Ancient Marathoner

According to legend, in the year 490 BC the messenger Philippides ran 25 miles from the plain of Marathon to the city of Athens to announce the victory of the Athenians over a Persian Army. Upon proclaiming "Rejoice! We conquer!", he fell dead. Although historians now debate the accuracy of this story, it nonetheless planted the seed for the modern 26.2 mile marathon. The truth about Philippides however, is even more incredible.

According to historians at the time, Philippides was dispatched to Sparta to seek the assistance of the Spartan army against the large Persians invasion force. Philippides completed his task in less than two days, covering approximately 240km! The first account of Philippides' famous (and ultimately terminal) 25 mile run from Marathon to Athens was written almost 600 years later.

Photos - back to photos

Haiti Runs Over the Years