For running enthusiasts, it is interesting to know about the historical origins of the Marathon, an increasingly global sport. There is a historical legend that gives rise to this term: A soldier had to run between the plain of Marathon and the city of Athens to announce the military victory to the soldiers of Darius, the Persian King who invaded Greek territory in 490 BC. The choice fell on Philippides, who ran the distance separating these places, approximately 40 km, without stopping. He ran until exhaustion and, upon arriving in Athens, after announcing the victory (“Rejoice! We have won!” [Xairete, Nenikikamen]), he fell dead. The enormous effort to cover the distance took the life of the poor soldier!
You can find this and other fantastic stories in the PDF below:
