The marathon is among the most fabled athletic events of all times. The modern-day Olympic Games, arguable the largest athletic spectacle worldwide, are rooted in ancient rites more storied than the traditions of the major religions. While the modern-day games are rooted in the post-war spirit of pacific global competition under the guise of competition, the age-old tradition of the marathon is entrenched in the collective memory of ancient history. More than two thousand years later, the marathon has become the epitome of athletic competition, rivaling the Olympics for rigor, demand, and athleticism. Held in cities all over the globe, the marathon has witnessed a recent event-tide in flourishing popularity with more people taking part each year to be part not only of the history, but reap the incredible health, metaphysical, and interpersonal rewards the race offers.

             "The ancient Greeks were no strangers to long-distance running," marathon scholar Charlie Lovett writes.1 In fact, running was used as their means of communication; foot couriers shuttled messages from city to city throughout the empire. In 490 B.C., the city of Marathon was invaded by a Persian army, which had landed ship upon its sea-lined plains. The invasion took the Athenians by surprise, and they sent a messenger named Pheippides to Spart with speed. Hoping to enlist the aid of the Spartans, the courier knew that the salvation of his home rest on the quickness of his feet, and so he ran as fast as his soles would carry him. Within two days, Pheipiddies covered 150 miles on foot.

             According to history books, the runner was dispatched back to Athens with news of the victory, and upon reaching the city proclaimed, "Rejoice, we conquer!" and fell dead. Throughout the coming centuries, the legend of the messenger from Marathon filled the hearts of patriots, athletes, and all facing monumental challenge. Robert Browning carries the story of the forthcoming commemorative races in Dramatic Idylls, and through Christian empires and thousands of years, the race took its place in indelible history.