The Marathon



From the legend of Pheidippides

the Greek messenger in 490 BC

A participant in the Battle of Marathon

As the battle neared the end

And a victory for the Greek army

Pheidippides ran the entire distance

Of 26 miles from Marathon to Athens

Discarding his weapons and clothing

And running into the Greek assembly

He declared “we have won” over the Persions

He then collapsed and died.



The marathon later became an important

Race of 26.2 miles in the modern Olympics.



I know about marathons

Having run ten of them

Never finishing first

But always finishing well

Like most recreational athletes

I only run because i enjoy running

I always tell others who ask why

“It’s not for everyone

But for me it’s a great way

To get 4 hours of exercise.”