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Vienna Celebrates the Myth - 2500 Years of Marathon Running

”Nenikekamen!” – “We have won!” The biggest jubilee existing in sports: Take a journey through time at the Vienna City Marathon.

The origin of the modern marathon actually goes back to a messenger who, in 490 BC, brought the news of the victory of the Greek over the Persians from Marathon to Athens. In 2010 we celebrate the biggest jubilee existing in sports: 2500 years of the Marathon myth!

In his »Moralia«, Plutarch wrote about an armed man who apparently ran to Athens. “Nenikekamen!” - “Rejoice, we have won!” were reputedly his last words before he died. This story, true or not, marks the birth of Marathon sport and is the basis of the myth.

The Vienna City Marathon will honor this momentous run and its spirit in an exciting way. “Marathon running is the only sport that has evolved out of a myth. Here lies the heart of the fascination of modern marathons”, says Wolfgang Konrad, Race Director of the Vienna City Marathon.

Marathon running was rejuvenated by the end of the 19th century. In 1896 the first Olympic Games in modern age were held in Athens. A run from Marathon to Athens over a distance of about 40K proved to be the highlight. Spiridon Louis famously became the first Olympic Marathon Champion and started a bright tradition of running heroes.

Take a journey through time, from the origin of the marathon myth to the modern! The most ancient and inspiring myth in sports is the focal point of the Vienna City Marathon, memorable for every runner taking part in the event on 18th April 2010.

VCM News | Andreas Maier. Pictures: Pheidippides (Historic Painting. Drawing: Andy Yelenak – runningpast.com). Spiridon Louis, Olympic Marathon Champion 1896 (by Albert Mayer 1896, Wikimedia Commons)