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The Marathon Flame bursts into life in Vienna in 2010!

The VCM is presented with the flame at an official ceremony held at the birthplace of the Marathon legend.

Next year the Vienna City Marathon will take part in celebrations to mark the oldest anniversary in sport: the 2,500-year-old legend of the Marathon. This will be at the forefront of the 27th edition of the VCM on April 18, 2010.

[VIDEO]

The Marathon Flame is coming to Vienna!
One of the highlights has already been arranged: the Marathon Flame will burn brightly at the VCM next year as a unique symbol of the sport of marathon running. This symbol of history and the passion the race arouses is lit every year on the eve of the Athens Marathon next to the burial mound marking the battle of Marathon and presented to selected international running events. It is a special honour for the Vienna City Marathon that our city has been chosen as a site for the flame as part of the 2,500-year anniversary celebrations. The Marathon Flame will occupy a place of honour during the VCM, serving as inspiration for participants and public alike.

Atmospheric Ceremony in the town of Marathon
The flame was presented to the VCM race organiser Gerhard Wehr in the town of Marathon, the birthplace of legend, in an atmospheric ceremony on November 7, 2009. Among the prominent well-wishers at the presentation ceremony, preceded by a children’s relay run, were Angela Gerekou, Greece vice-minister of culture and tourism, Spyridon N. Zagaris, mayor of the town of Marathon, Dr. Michael Linhart, Austria’s ambassador in Athens, Maria Poliyzou, director of the Marathon museum in Marathon and the Greek female record holder in the marathon and Vassilios Sevastis, president of SEGAS, the Greek Athletics Federation.

Sport’s oldest Anniversary
The marathon is the only sporting event born of a legend. The origins go back to 490 BC and the Battle of Marathon. At that time, almost 2,500 years ago, the Athenians under their general Miltiades fought against the Persians at a little settlement known as “Marathon.” A messenger, named Pheidippides in some accounts, was dispatched to bring the news of the battle’s outcome to the citizens of Athens. Pheidippides is supposed, according to the ancient historian Plutarch, to have run from Marathon to Athens, a distance of around 40 kilometres. Upon arrival he announced: “Rejoice, we have conquered!” After these words he is said to have collapsed and died.

This story, whether truth or fiction, marked the birth of the marathon as a sport and laid the foundation for the legend which has burned so brightly to this day. So here’s to the Vienna City Marathon on April 18, 2010 when we shall celebrate sport’s oldest anniversary.