Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

The Olympic Games Marathon

The marathon running race is a prestigious event in the Olympic track and field program. Let’s explore the rich history and fascinating facts surrounding this iconic race.

History

The marathon was first introduced in the 1896 Olympics in Athens to pay tribute to the legendary run of soldier Pheidippides. According to the tale, Pheidippides ran from the battlefield near Marathon, Greece, to Athens in 490 B.C., delivering the message of victory before tragically collapsing and dying.

Interestingly, before the official Olympic race, there were two trial runs. The first trial took place on March 10 (according to the Julian calendar observed in Greece at the time) and included only Greek runners. The nineteen-year-old Peloponnesian Charilaos Vasilakos emerged as the winner, setting the stage for the Olympic marathon.

Traditionally, the men’s Olympic marathon concludes the athletics calendar, with the finish line often located inside the Olympic stadium.

Marathon Distance

During the early modern Olympics, the marathon distance varied. In the 1908 London Olympic Games, the British royal family requested a change in the marathon route. The race was now set to start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal family’s viewing box at White City Stadium. The total distance covered was 42,195 meters (26 miles and 385 yards), which then became the standardized length of a marathon in 1924.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Shuttle Cross Pick-Up: Enhancing Hand-Eye Coordination and Agility for Ice Hockey Players

Here’s a brief overview of the marathon distances in various Olympic Games:

  • 1896: 40,000 m (approx.)
  • 1900: 40,260 m (25.02 miles)
  • 1904: 40,000 m (24.85 miles)
  • 1908: 42,195 m (26.22 miles)
  • 1912: 40,200 m (24.98 miles)
  • 1920: 40,750 m (25.32 miles)
  • 1924 onwards: 42,195 m (26 miles and 385 yards)

Trivia

The marathon has witnessed remarkable moments throughout its history. Here are a few intriguing facts:

  • Spiridon Louis, a Greek shepherd, delighted his compatriots by winning the first Marathon at the 1896 Olympics, finishing more than seven minutes ahead of his competitors.
  • Francisco Lazaro, a Portuguese runner, tragically collapsed from sunstroke and heart trouble during the 1912 Stockholm Olympics marathon. He sadly passed away at the age of 21.
  • Kanakuri Shizō, a Japanese marathon runner, lost consciousness due to the heat during the 1912 Olympics and was taken care of by a local farming family. He returned to Japan without notifying race officials and completed the race unofficially 50 years later, setting a record with his extraordinary perseverance.
  • During the 2004 marathon in Athens, Brazilian runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima was leading the race with 10km left when an Irish priest grabbed him, causing him to fall. Despite the setback, de Lima managed to continue and won the bronze medal.
  • Haile Sataylin of Israel made history in the 2008 Olympics by competing in the men’s marathon event at the age of 53.
  • The 2016 Women’s marathon saw the accomplishment of three sets of twins completing the race: the Luik triplets from Estonia, the Hahner twins from Germany, and the Kim sisters from North Korea.
Tham Khảo Thêm:  J.A.M. Intermittent Test

FAQs

Coming Soon

Conclusion

The Olympic Games Marathon is a captivating event that combines history, endurance, and human achievement. From its humble beginnings to the thrilling races that captivate millions, the marathon continues to inspire athletes and spectators alike. To learn more about this iconic race and explore everything the sport has to offer, visit Auralpressure.