When you wonder on royal disciplines in sports, there is absolutely no question or doubt about which one it is, at least when it comes to running. Long-distance running, generally known as marathon, is very high, if not at the very top of that list. But, to even start our story of international marathons, we have to take a long way back to the point where it started in the first place.
The legend of Pheidippides and international marathons
Speaking of international marathons it seems fair to explain where the expression came from. I believe that the word “international” is the one we don’t have to elaborate especially, while “marathon” is the one we shall stick to. So, as earlier announced, we’re heading into an ancient history (at least while speaking from the modern, light-speed oriented, men point of view), or more precisely, August of the year 490, BC. Back then, a legendary battle in which Persians were defeated by Greeks took place. And not just any place, but the battlefield of Marathon. Immediately after the fight in which he participated, our hero, Greek messenger Pheidippides started his run to Athens. Even though he was exhausted after the fight, his thrill and delight with the victory were stronger and it has given him the strength to withstand 42,195 kilometers of running just to inform about the great victory of his army. Right after he interrupted the assembly, shouting out loud: “We have won”, he collapsed and died. As we can see, international marathons that are popular nowadays, owe not just the name to our ancestors, old Greeks, but also the exact distance of 42,195 kilometers, or 26 miles and 385 yards. And what can we say about Pheidippides and his glory that shines more and more whenever and wherever international marathons take place. 21st century people need more men like him, so we must nurture and encourage that tradition today, more than ever.
Modern international marathons
1896 was extremely important year in acknowledging and establishing international marathons as well-respected and highly-rated sport events. As well as the other sport disciplines, international marathons also took advantage of being a part of these modern Olympics after which its popularity keeps growing and has not stopped until today. After 1896, marathon distance has been changing several times until it became standardized in 1921. Ever since that year, all international marathons are precisely 42,195 kilometers long.
Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS)
As already stated, growing popularity of international marathons has led to a need of establishing the organization which would take care of athletes, sponsors, events and all other necessities required for these manifestations to continue. There has been a meeting of marathon race directors in London in 1982 on that matter. After they have agreed on all the important issues, they founded the organization, known as Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, which takes care of international marathons and long-distance running races. In 1986 it was extended, including all road races as well.
