Even though the ancient Olympics didn't have a marathon, the inspiration for the first modern Olympics' marathon came from the legendary run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens!
You might find it surprising, but the marathon we know today wasn't established until the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Back in the ancient Olympics, which ran from 776 BCE to 261 CE, they never had a race anywhere near that length. The longest event was just a measly 5 km! But then there's the story of Pheidippides, the messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver the good news of a Greek victory over the Persians. Sadly, he didn't make it past the delivery, collapsing and dying right after. His legendary run inspired the marathon we have today, with races still going strong worldwide.
The inaugural Boston Marathon took place on April 19, 1897, following the first modern Olympics in 1896. Inspired by the Olympic marathon, the founders organised the race in Boston. Held annually on Patriot’s Day, the third Monday of April, it's the world's oldest marathon. In 2013, tragedy struck with the Boston Marathon Bombing, claiming three lives and injuring over 260. Despite fears, the race continued the next year, with special provisions for the 5,633 runners unable to finish after the attack.
Outside the USA, the Yonkers Marathon might not ring many bells, but for those in the know, it's a storied event. Nestled near the bustling streets of New York City, this marathon has been a fixture for over a century, tracing its route along the majestic Hudson River and other scenic spots. Back in 1908, its second edition drew 145 participants and a whopping 20,000 cheering spectators. Since 1972, women have been proudly taking part. However, the marathon hit a bump in 2001 when it was abruptly cancelled due to terrorist threats. In its heyday, between 1947 and 1946, it even served as the US qualifying race for the Olympics. Despite its rich history, the marathon's significance has waned in recent years.
Founded by World War I veteran Vic Clapham on May 24, 1921, the Comrades Marathon has a poignant backstory. Clapham, who trekked over 1700 miles through East Africa during the war, sought to honour his fallen comrades. Despite facing rejection twice from the League of Comrades of the Great War, Clapham's perseverance prevailed when they finally agreed to support him. Spanning over 89 km, the Comrades Marathon stands as the world’s oldest and longest-running ultramarathon, a testament to Clapham's enduring legacy of remembrance and resilience.
The Kosice Peace Marathon, inaugurated in 1924, started with a modest field of eight male participants. However, its trajectory was disrupted during World War II, halting the event between 1938 and 1944. Fast forward to 2020, and the pandemic forced its cancellation. Since 1980, women have been welcomed to compete in the Kosice Marathon. It ranks as Slovakia's second largest marathon, trailing only the Bratislava Marathon. Approximately 1,500 individuals tackle the full 42.195 kilometres, with several thousand more participating in accompanying events. Notably, the course records stand at impressive times of 2:07:01 hours for men and 2:24:35 hours for women.
The first Seoul International Marathon, also known as the Dong-A Ilbo Seoul Marathon, commenced on March 21, 1931. Initially arranged by the Koryo Track Sports Association and co-sponsored by Dong-A Ilbo and Chosen Athletic Association, it stands as Asia's oldest marathon. However, during its early years, the course covered only 23.3 kilometres, with the full marathon distance adopted in 1964. The marathon faced several interruptions due to the Japanese occupation of Korea. Despite these challenges, it has evolved into one of Asia's fastest marathons. Notably, a women's marathon was completed in under 2:20 hours as early as 2006.
Besides the ones mentioned, Japan's Lake Biwa Marathon, South Korea's Chuncheon Marathon, and Canada's Calgary Marathon are also among the oldest marathons in the world.
