Marathoners in this year’s Games will closely follow the path believed to have been taken by an ancient runner to carry news from the Battle of Marathon. During the 26.2-mile race, runners will be challenged by steep hills and temperatures that can top 100 degrees.
The legend
According to Greek lore, a messenger named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to report the Greek victory over a Persian invasion in 490 B.C.
Pheidippides is said to have died of exhaustion upon delivering the message: “Rejoice! We conquer!”
BASIS IN FACT?
Ancient Greek historian Herodotus credits Pheidippides with a staggering 140-mile run from Marathon to Sparta before the battle to seek help. The Spartans, however, arrived after the battle was over.
Marathon strategy
KEEPING COOL
– Some marathoners wear an ice-cooled vest about an hour before the race to prevent overheating. The Nike Precool vest, for example, contains ice packs in its lining to lower body temperature by 19 percent.
– Many runners also cool off with wet sponges, which are available at 5-kilometer intervals.
STAYING HYDRATED
– Runners must choose a special drink to replenish water and sodium the body loses from sweating. The best drink is one that is not too concentrated so it impedes sweating but provides enough natural salts lost during sweating.
The course
The route, which has hosted nearly 100 marathon races, will start in Marathon and end in Panathinaikos Stadium in Athens.
WHY 26.2 MILES?
The first modern Olympic marathon was nearly 25 miles long. During the 1908 Games in London, more distance was added to the race so runners would finish directly under the royal box of Queen Alexandra.
Tomb of Marathon: A detour past the burial mound extends the route to 26.2 miles to meet the official marathon distance.
Along the route
– Kilometer signs are placed at roughly 3-mile intervals on the side of the road and at slightly more than half-mile intervals on the road surface itself.
– Starting at 5 kilometers from the start, there are 15 refreshment stations providing sponges, water and other beverages.
– Every 5 kilometers there is a medical station and a timekeeping station for checking competitors’ times. A timekeeping station also is located at the midpoint of the route.
Ups and downs
The most difficult part of the race is a rise that stretches for more than 13 miles.
Athletes to watch
Paul Tergat
Kenya
In 2003, set world record by running 2 hours 4 minutes 55 seconds.
Gezahgne Abera
Ethiopia
Won 2000 Olympic marathon at the age of 22.
Alan Culpepper
United States
Won Olympic trials two years after 2002 debut in Chicago Marathon.
2000 results
Men’s marathon
(G) Gezanhng Abera, Ethiopia
(S) Eric Wainaina, Kenya
(B) Tesfaye Tola, Ethiopia
All-time medal standings
Since 1896
U.S.A. 9
Ethiopia 6
Britain 5
Finland 5
Sources: Dr. David Martin, Georgia State University exercise physiologist and Marathon Development Chairman for U.S.A. Track & Field; “The Histories,” by Herodotus; “The Wars of the Ancient Greeks,” by Victor Davis Hanson; “Greece,” by The National Geographic Traveler, Los Angeles Times, The Austrailian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited
– See microfilm for complete graphic.
