In 490 BC, the outnumbered Greeks defeated the invading Persians on the fields of Marathon. Legend has it that a soldier named Phidippides ran 24.85 miles from Marathon to Athens to bring news of the shocking victory. His heroic effort was memorialized in 1896 when the first modern Olympics, held in Athens, recreated the run officially dubbed the Marathon. During the 1908 London Olympics, the British changed the course to 26.2 miles.
2500 years after the original Marathon, we have the opportunity to re-trace the legendary route. Had the Greeks not stymied the Persians from conquering the mainland, the glory of ancient Greece as the cradle of Western Civilization might never have come to pass. The 2010 Athens Classic Marathon offers an occasion to honor the roots of a culture whose accomplishments continue to inspire greatness in each of us today.
So I remember when I used to be a good runner girl and thought 'I'll run a marathon at least once in my life just to do it...when I find the right one.' Well, this might be it! How cool would it be to run in Greece?! This is going on my list to Santa for sure. Anyone interested in joining me?
**And maybe to warm up for this I can do the Great Wall half marathon in CHINA. I better dust off my running shoes.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ATHENS MARATHON 2010
Posted by Deanna
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6 comments:
If you are serious... You can count me in.
I'd love to go to Greece. I would not love to run a marathon.
That's an awesome idea - And you should post your letter to Santa on your blog this year! :)
Bridget took the words right out of my mouth. I'm always up for a good race, especially if it's combined with a fun vacation.
you go girl. :~)
im down for both China and Greece! Lets literally run around the world next year :)!!!
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