When Was the FIRST MARATHON?

How did a battlefield message from 490 BC evolve into the world’s most iconic long-distance races? From ancient messengers to modern-day champions, this is the fascinating history of the marathon.

Quick Look.

The marathon isn’t just a race, it’s a story that spans more than two thousand years. From a legendary battlefield messenger in Ancient Greece to millions of modern-day runners pounding the pavement across the globe, the marathon has become one of the most inspiring and enduring sporting events in human history.

In this post, we’ll take you on a deep dive into:

• The origins of the marathon and the myth of Pheidippides.
• How the first official marathon was introduced at the 1896 Athens Olympics.
• Why the marathon distance is exactly 42.195 kilometres.
• The long road to women being officially allowed to compete.
• The evolution of marathon running in Australia, from the early days to today.
• The Sydney Marathon’s rise to join the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors.
• The current state of the marathon worldwide today.
• Surprising facts and FAQs even experienced runners might not know.

Whether you’re training for your first marathon, love running history, or just curious about how this incredible event came to be, this post is your go-to guide for everything marathon.

Read the full post for all the stories, including the fascinating Battle of Marathon, and discover how the marathon has come to be the iconic event it is today.

The Origins in Ancient Greece.

The word ‘marathon’ comes from the ancient Greek town of Marathon, where in 490 BC, the Athenians famously defeated the invading Persian army.

Legend has it that a Greek messenger ran from the battlefield to Athens to deliver news of the victory, a distance of about 40 kilometres.

This is one of history’s most remarkable events, an extraordinary story that deserves a closer look. Here’s how it all unfolded:

The Story Of Pheidippides and the Battle of Marathon.

The legend of the marathon begins not with a race, but with a war, and one of the most extraordinary tales of endurance and bravery in history.

In 490 BC, the powerful Persian Empire landed a force of 25,000 soldiers on the shores of Marathon, a small coastal plain just 40 km from Athens. Facing them were only 10,000 Athenian soldiers, hopelessly outnumbered but ready to fight.

In those days, the only way to communicate across distance was with professional military couriers, these were trained messengers who could run vast distances. One such messenger was Pheidippides, a name now etched into legend.

A Mission Before the Battle.

Before the battle at Marathon even began, Pheidippides had already achieved something incredible. When news of the Persian landing reached Athens, the Athenians knew they needed help. Pheidippides was sent on a desperate mission: to run from Athens to Sparta, a distance of over 240 km, to request reinforcements.

He made the journey in just two days, but the Spartans, citing religious customs, couldn’t send aid in time. So Pheidippides ran all the way back to Athens, delivered the bad news, and then continued to the front lines at Marathon to join the waiting army.

The Surprise Attack.

Meanwhile, the Persian commanders had their eyes on the real prize, Athens itself.

After landing, they split their forces: 15,000 troops remained to face the Athenians at Marathon, while 10,000 sailed around the coast to attack Athens directly, hoping to catch the city undefended.

Knowing the stakes, one of Athens’ 11 generals, Miltiades, pushed for a bold, risky move: a surprise attack on the Persian ground forces at Marathon. Though initially hesitant, the other commanders agreed.

Against all odds, the outnumbered Athenians launched their assault, and it worked. Their formation and tactics overwhelmed the Persians, who were forced into a chaotic retreat, suffering heavy losses. It was a stunning victory.

The Legendary Run.

With the battle of Marathon won, the Athenians now faced a new crisis: the Persian fleet was on its way to Athens, and the city was completely undefended. If the Persians arrived before word of the victory, panic or surrender might result.

So, Pheidippides was once again called upon. After running to Sparta and back, fighting at Marathon, he now sprinted the final 40 km to Athens. Upon arrival, he delivered a single word: ‘Νενικήκαμεν!’ (We have won!), and, according to legend, collapsed and died from sheer exhaustion.

A Second Superhuman Feat.

But Pheidippides wasn’t alone in this legendary day of endurance.

After the victory at Marathon, the entire Athenian army, still clad in full battle gear and exhausted from combat, ran the same 40 km back to Athens to head off the Persian fleet.

It was a race against time.

Incredibly, they made it, arriving just minutes before the Persians could land. When the Persian commanders saw the Athenian army formed and ready for battle at the city gates, they were stunned. Believing Athens would be undefended, they now faced a prepared and determined force.

The Persians turned their ships around and sailed away.

An Historic Victory.

The Athenians had done the unthinkable. With courage, quick thinking, and superhuman effort, they had not only defeated a vastly superior force, but also saved their city.

This is the incredible origin of the marathon. A story not just of one man’s legendary run, but of a collective triumph, of an army that defied the odds, and a messenger who gave everything to deliver victory.

The First Modern Marathon: 1896.

The story of the modern marathon begins back in Athens, where ancient legend and athletic ability came together during the first modern Olympic Games.

Held from 6th April 1896, these Games were a resurrection of the ancient Olympic tradition, but including an exciting new event: a long-distance footrace inspired by the mythical run of Pheidippides from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC.

While the ancient Olympics (776 BC to 393 AD) featured events like sprints and pentathlon, they never included a long-distance even like a marathon. That changed in 1896.

On 10 April 1896, the first Olympic marathon was run.

The course was approximately 40 kilometres, tracing the legendary route from the town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in central Athens. It was a bold inclusion and quickly became the emotional and symbolic highlight of the Games.

Seventeen athletes from five nations took part in the event. Among them was Spyridon ‘Spyros’ Louis, a 23-year-old Greek water carrier who had qualified through a local trial race just days earlier. During the Olympic marathon, Louis paced himself perfectly, letting early leaders tire before surging to the front in the final stretch. As he entered the stadium, the crowd erupted in cheers. Greek royalty even joined him on the final lap, and Louis crossed the finish line to a hero’s welcome.

His winning time: 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 50 seconds.

Louis’s victory delivered a wave of national pride and gave Greece its most celebrated moment of the Games. He became an instant legend, his name forever tied to the birth of the modern marathon.

From Legend to Global Record-Chaser.

The marathon event was an immediate success and has since grown into one of the most prestigious races in the world. Over time, the standard marathon distance was adjusted, being eventually set at 42.195 kilometres, and finishing times have improved dramatically.

From the dusty roads of Ancient Greece to record-breaking city marathons watched by millions, the spirit of the marathon lives on. First kindled by the footsteps of Pheidippides, and forever immortalised by the triumph of Spyridon Louis in 1896.

Why Is The Marathon 42.2 Kilometres Long?

If the distance from the town of Marathon to Athens is around 40 kilometres, why is the modern marathon 42.195 kilometres (or 26.2 miles) long?

To understand this, we need to fast-forward from Ancient Greece to the 1908 Olympic Games in London.

That year, the course was designed to suit the British Royal Family. The race began at Windsor Castle, starting beneath the nursery window, so the royal children could watch the runners take off. It finished in front of the royal box at the White City Stadium in London. The route was carefully measured and came to exactly 26 miles and 385 yards, or 42.195 kilometres.

Before 1908, marathon distances had varied from one Olympic host city to another, generally hovering around 40 kilometres. But the drama and popularity of the 1908 race, combined with its precise measurement, made it historically notable.

In 1921, the International Amateur Athletic Federation (now World Athletics) adopted the 1908 London distance as the official marathon length. It’s remained the global standard ever since.

When Did Women First Run a Marathon?

Remarkably, women were barred from marathon competition from the era of the ancient Olympics all the way into the early 1970s.

Let’s take a look at not only when women were officially admitted to running marathons, but the struggle to get there.

Breaking Barriers at Boston.

• 1966: Roberta ‘Bobbi’ Gibb remarkably defied convention by hiding near the start line and joining the Boston Marathon unregistered. She completed the full course in approximately 3:21:40, finishing ahead of two-thirds of the male runners, even though she wasn’t officially recognised at the time. This remarkable run finally shattered the long-standing belief that women were incapable of completing a long-distance event like a marathon.
• 1967: Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially register for Boston by using her initials ‘K.V. Switzer.’ During the race, an official attempted to forcibly remove her bib, but she persevered and finished the race, a moment immortalised in sports history. 

Official Recognition and Triumph.

• 1972: Following pressure from activists like Switzer and Nina Kuscsik, the Boston Athletic Association and the AAU formally opened the marathon to women. That year, eight women entered and completed the race, with Kuscsik emerging as the first official women’s division winner in 3:10:26. These women not only challenged prevailing gender norms but also paved the way for future generations of female runners.

The Women’s Olympic Marathon Debuts.

• 1984: The Los Angeles Olympics introduced the first women’s marathon. Fifty women from 28 countries competed, with Joan Benoit (later Samuelson) of the US winning the gold in 2:24:52, a landmark moment proving women’s endurance on the world’s biggest athletic stage. 

The History of the Marathon in Australia.

First Marathon Events in Australia.

• The earliest documented marathon dates back to 1909, running from Frankston to Melbourne in Victoria. Though historically significant, this and early marathon events were not held consistently each year.  
• Australia’s longest-running annual marathon is the Traralgon Marathon, first held on 24 August 1968. It remains the oldest continuously run marathon in the country.  

Melbourne Marathon: A Major National Event.

• The modern Melbourne Marathon Festival began in 1978, originally known as the Big M Marathon. Despite course changes over time, it’s one of Australia’s largest marathons by participation.  

Notable Participation Milestones.

• In 1971, Australian women began making their mark. An Australian woman Adrienne Beames became the first to break the 3-hour barrier in a marathon on local soil. An extraordinary feat during a time when female participation was rare.
• First official women’s participation in an Australian marathon: In 1978, the inaugural Melbourne Marathon was held, and for the first time in Australia, women were officially allowed to enter. That year, 123 female runners participated, marking the nations first officially sanctioned women’s marathon event.
• 2024: Three Melbourne Marathon Spartan Legends, John Dobson, David Foskey, and Wayne Thompson, extended their incredible records, each completing their 46th consecutive Melbourne Marathon, maintaining an unbroken streak since the event began in 1978.

Sydney Marathon’s Historic Leap.

• The Sydney Marathon, first held in 2000 as a trial for the Olympic course, joined the exclusive Abbott World Marathon Majors series in 2025, becoming the seventh global World Major alongside races like those in Boston, Tokyo, and London.  
• The 2025 edition drew a record 35,000 runners and featured elite stars like Eliud Kipchoge, Sifan Hassan, and Brigid Kosgei competing over a scenic course across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, ending at the iconic Opera House.  

Quick Facts:

• 1909: Earliest known marathon distance run (Frankston to Melbourne), but not consistent.
• 1968: Traralgon Marathon begins and continues annually, the oldest sustained event.
• 1978: Melbourne Marathon inaugurates as a major city event.
• 1978: Melbourne Marathon becomes first official women’s marathon in Australia.
• 2025: Sydney Marathon becomes Australia’s first World Marathon Major.

The Marathon Today: A Global Snapshot.

Here’s an up-to-date look at the marathon’s current state worldwide, tracing its soaring popularity, insights on participation, record-breaking events, and interesting stats:

Global Participation & Reach.

• Annual finishers: Around 1.1 to 1.3 million marathon finishers are officially recorded globally each year.
• Lifetime participants: It’s estimated that less than 1% of the world’s population has completed a marathon at least once.
• Global events count: Each year, there are up to 4000 marathon events held worldwide with approximately 800 of those officially recognised. Participants number approximately 11 million.
• Fastest Women’s Marathon: Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya) – 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, making her the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier.
• Fastest Men’s Marathon: Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) – 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, the fastest official marathon time ever recorded.
• Both Berlin and Chicago are considered as the two fastest official marathons majors in the world.

The World’s Biggest Marathon Events.

The global popularity of marathons continues to surge, with tens of thousands of runners taking part in the world’s most iconic races each year. Here’s how the biggest marathons stack up based on recent finisher stats:

• London Marathon (2025): Set a new world record with 56,640 finishers, making it the largest marathon ever officially completed.
• New York City Marathon (2024): Drew 55,646 finishers, briefly holding the title of the world’s biggest marathon before being overtaken by London.
• Berlin Marathon (2024): Welcomed 54,280 finishers, also breaking participation records before being surpassed by New York and London.
• Chicago Marathon (2024): Hosted 52,150 finishers, maintaining its position as one of the top five most popular marathons in the world.
• Boston Marathon (2024): Typically sees between 25,000 and 30,000 finishers, it remains one of the most prestigious and historic races.

And in Australia:

• Sydney Marathon 2025: In its debut year as a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the TCS Sydney Marathon drew an estimated 35,000 runners, setting a new participation record for a marathon in Australian history.  
• Melbourne Marathon 2024: The 2024 Melbourne Marathon Festival saw 8,686 finishers out of 9,083 starters, the largest turnout recorded for the event since its inception. 
• Gold Coast Marathon 2025: The Gold Coast Marathon regularly ranks among Australia’s largest races. With over 15,000 runners contesting the full marathon, it became the largest in the events’ history.

Demographics and Trends.

• Age of runners: The most popular age groups are 30–39 (31.1%) and 40–49 (30.8%), accounting for over 60% of participants.
• Gender distribution: Globally, women account for approximately 31.4% of marathon runners. Breakdown by region:
  • North America: 42.6%
  • Europe: 25.1%
  • South America: 26.9%
  • Asia: 18.5%  
• United States: Holds the highest share of female participants, at about 45.7%.
• Growing accessibility: Marathons now stretch beyond elite athletes, from bucket-list destination races to inclusive local events, the sport embraces amateurs and professionals alike.
• Demographic shifts: A surge in 20- to 30-year-olds entering the sport points to running’s role in building community and healthy routine post-pandemic.
• Brand and city impact: Events like the TCS London Marathon have attracted over 1 million applicants for 2026—evidence of the marathon’s global reach and social impact.
• Cultural significance: Marathons are now economic, social, and emotional engines, drawing millions of spectators and boosting tourism worldwide. Of all events, the Olympic Marathon consistently draws one of the largest audiences worldwide.

Today, marathons come in all shapes and styles, some are fascinating, some are incredible adventures, others downright bizarre. Check out our post on the 10 Most Unusual Marathon Events and Rituals from Around the World.

Wrapping It Up.

This has been a fun article to research and write. Looking back at the history of the marathon reveals some amazing and fascinating facts about this iconic sporting event.

There’s no doubt that the marathon has been going through quite a boom in popularity in recent years. With over 800 official marathons held around the world each year, and with participation growing, this aspirational event has a bright future.

2020 and 2021 saw the most races around the world cancelled due to the pandemic, but in many cases, these were substituted with virtual events. Whilst not as fantastic as competing in the real thing, at least we were still able to run. And, the marathon has bounced back even stronger since then.

Running is a high-profile sport, and completing a marathon is the holy grail for millions of runners worldwide. With all the health benefits that come from running and with such a magnificent goal to aspire to, the marathon will only grow in popularity. Amen to that.

Happy running,

Steve

FAQ’s: The First Marathon.

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This article is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation to act on any of its content. It is always recommended you consult your healthcare practitioner before engaging in any activity that may affect your health.

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