Athens Classic Marathon October 14, 2006 Among all the Olympic events, the Marathon Race stands out because it was born by a real historic and heroic event. It was a feat accomplished by a news-bearing foot soldier from ancient Athens, who announced - with his last words - the victory of the Greeks against the Persians in the battle of Marathon (490bc). The 42,195m Marathon Race became one of the most competitive events when the Olympic Games were revived in 1896. A Greek athlete by the name of Spyros Louis, running what has ever since been referred to as the 'Original Course' from the ancient city of Marathon to the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens, won the gold medal of the first modern Olympic Games and became a legend of Greek and international athletics. The Marathon Race has always had a prominent place in the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts, as it represents the highest effort where the human body, soul and mind are tested to their limits as the runner presses himself/herself to the finish line. This year the Athens Classic Marathon (the only Marathon race in the world, which is held on the original course and the course of the 1896 first modern Olympic Games) will be held on November 5, 2006. Be there! More info on Athens Classic Marathon Author : Greece Athens