I'm trying to wrap my brain around the course. You can click HERE to see a map of the full layout.
Why 26.2 miles? According to Greek legend, a herald named Pheidippides ran 240 km (150 miles) in two days from the town of Marathon to Sparta to request help against the invading Persians... and upon conclusion of the battle then ran 42 km (26.2 miles) from Marathon to Athens. He announced the Greek victory... and promptly DIED. Historically, it is improbable. Poetically...
Pheidippides, by Robert Browning, immortalizes his feat thus:
So, when Persia was dust, all cried, "To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidippides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!" He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space 'twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Till in he broke: "Rejoice, we conquer!" Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, - the bliss!
You can learn more about the marathon's history HERE, including its evolution and inclusion in the Olympic Games, beginning in 1896.
Did anyone else watch the Olympic marathons this year? It was the first time I've been interested... for obvious reasons. I watched, riveted, as Constantina Dita-Tomescu blew away the rest of the competition in the Women's Marathon in Beijing. And I learned from one of the marathon updates, she's going to be running in Chicago! Miles ahead of me, but still...
The Chicago Marathon has been an institution in the Windy City since 1977. You can find a fascinating slide show (check out the Fun Fact on each slide) featuring 30 years of pictures celebrating its history HERE. In 1977, there were 4200 participants and the entrance fee was $5. This year, the cap for registrants was set at 45,000, and the entrance fee was... more than $5. Ha ha! How the times change.
So much to think about.
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