Participating in the 26.2 miles marathon is thrilling and exciting. Participating in marathons not only keeps you fit and healthy, but also gives you the satisfaction of achieving something significant.
Why 26.2?
Some runners participate in full marathons (26.2 miles), while beginners often choose to train and run for half marathons (13.1 miles). Well; do you know why most marathons are 26.2 miles long?
Here’s the history behind the magic number.
Most of us know that the first officially organized marathon dates back to the 1896 Olympics. However, do you know that the distance of the marathon then was not 26.2 miles?
History states that a Greek messenger raced from the site of the marathon to Athens to deliver an important message about the Greek victory on an invading Persian army. He is said to have run 40 kilometers. However, it is said that he collapsed after this dramatic run in 490 B.C. So, the distance of the marathon was fixed at 40 kilometers, almost 25 miles for the Olympics in 1896 in remembrance of the messenger.
However, the inclusion of the British Royal family in the 1908 games brought a change. As per the request of Queen Alexandra, the race started from the lawn of the Windsor Castle and finished at the royal box at the Olympic stadium. This distance was about 26.2 miles and since then, the marathon distance has been standing at 26.2 miles. However, it was officially determined at this in 1921.
Among all the marathons, the oldest and most popular one is the Boston Marathon. It is one of the most prestigious marathons and the awards here are supplied by the reputed awards supplier, Ashworth Awards. Ashworth Awards manufactures the best and highest quality awards for all events and occasions.
To learn more about Ashworth Awards, visit ashworthawards.com.
Why 26.2?
Some runners participate in full marathons (26.2 miles), while beginners often choose to train and run for half marathons (13.1 miles). Well; do you know why most marathons are 26.2 miles long?
Here’s the history behind the magic number.
Most of us know that the first officially organized marathon dates back to the 1896 Olympics. However, do you know that the distance of the marathon then was not 26.2 miles?
History states that a Greek messenger raced from the site of the marathon to Athens to deliver an important message about the Greek victory on an invading Persian army. He is said to have run 40 kilometers. However, it is said that he collapsed after this dramatic run in 490 B.C. So, the distance of the marathon was fixed at 40 kilometers, almost 25 miles for the Olympics in 1896 in remembrance of the messenger.
However, the inclusion of the British Royal family in the 1908 games brought a change. As per the request of Queen Alexandra, the race started from the lawn of the Windsor Castle and finished at the royal box at the Olympic stadium. This distance was about 26.2 miles and since then, the marathon distance has been standing at 26.2 miles. However, it was officially determined at this in 1921.
Among all the marathons, the oldest and most popular one is the Boston Marathon. It is one of the most prestigious marathons and the awards here are supplied by the reputed awards supplier, Ashworth Awards. Ashworth Awards manufactures the best and highest quality awards for all events and occasions.
To learn more about Ashworth Awards, visit ashworthawards.com.