EVENTS
According to legend, the very first marathon in the world appeared on the route where the present day Athens
Classic Marathon takes place. In 490 BC a giant Persian army invaded the small town of Marathon near the coast
of Greece. However in the Battle of Marathon that ensued, the Greek army defeated the Persians, and a
messenger named Pheidippides was sent to Athens to bring news of the victory. The young Greek ran the 42 km
from the battlefield to the capital as fast as he could, announced his joyous message, and died. And according to
folklore, this is the inspiration for the marathon race we know today.