National Marathon Day

Athletic young man crossing the finish line of a marathon, wearing a sweatband and running shorts, in the midst of a cheering crowd..
National marathon day illustration

Welcome to National Marathon Day! Lace up your running shoes and get ready to hit the pavement with thousands of fellow fun-loving, fitness enthusiasts. This special day is dedicated to celebrating the joy of marathon running and the incredible achievements of those who participate. So, let's dive into the rich internet and actual history of National Marathon Day!

When is Marathon Day?

It's national marathon day on the 19th February.


The Internet History of National Marathon Day

On a chilly February day in 2017, the online world was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. People were sharing their running stories, tips, and even training playlists. The popularity of marathon running had reached an all-time high, and it was time to officially recognize this incredible sport with its very own national day.

Social media platforms became flooded with an outpouring of love for marathons. Memes, hashtags, and even a few running-themed emojis captivated the internet. Everyone was in high spirits, eagerly waiting for the big day to arrive.

The first ever National Marathon Day finally came on February 19, 2017. Runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, united to celebrate their shared love for running and push their limits on the open road. It was a day filled with adrenaline, triumph, and maybe a few blisters.

Since then, National Marathon Day has become an annual event where runners come together to share their passion, inspire others, and raise awareness for the benefits of running. It's a day full of cheering, camaraderie, and the sheer thrill of crossing that finish line.

The Actual History of National Marathon Day

While the internet played a significant role in popularizing National Marathon Day, its roots can be traced back to the inspiring story of Pheidippides. According to legend, in 490 BCE, Pheidippides ran from the city of Marathon to Athens, a distance of approximately 26 miles, to deliver a message of victory during the Battle of Marathon. These epic feats of endurance quickly gained recognition, and the marathon became an official Olympic event in 1896.

Over the years, marathons have become emblematic of personal challenge, pushing boundaries, and triumphing over obstacles. They symbolize the resilience and determination of the human spirit. National Marathon Day celebrates not only the history and tradition of the marathon but also the countless stories of personal triumph and accomplishment that have unfolded on the marathon route.



History behind the term 'Marathon'


490 BC

The Battle of Marathon

The term 'marathon' originates from the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. This battle was fought between the Persian Empire and the city-state of Athens in Greece. The Athenians, outnumbered and facing a formidable enemy, managed to achieve a decisive victory against the Persians.


490 BC

Phidippides' Legendary Run

After the Battle of Marathon, the Athenians sent a messenger named Phidippides to carry the news of their victory to Athens. Legend has it that Phidippides ran the distance, approximately 26 miles, without stopping, delivered the message, and then collapsed and died from exhaustion.


1896

Inclusion in the Modern Olympic Games

The term 'marathon' gained widespread recognition when it was included as an event in the modern Olympic Games in 1896. The marathon race was inspired by the legend of Phidippides' run, and it became one of the most iconic and grueling competitions in the Olympics.



1908

Standardization of the Marathon Distance

In the 1908 Olympic Games held in London, the marathon distance was standardized to approximately 26.2 miles. This distance was set so that the race could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box at the Olympic Stadium, allowing the British royal family to view the finish.


1960

First Official Women's Olympic Marathon

The year 1960 marked a significant milestone for the marathon as the first official women's Olympic marathon took place in Rome. Prior to this, women's participation in marathon races was rare, and it wasn't until 1984 that the women's marathon was included as a medal event in the Olympic Games.


1970s

Global Popularity and Recreational Marathons

During the 1970s, the marathon gained immense popularity worldwide. The combination of the running boom and the growing interest in fitness led to the rise of recreational marathons. Cities around the globe started organizing marathon events, attracting both elite athletes and amateur runners.



1983

Formation of the World Marathon Majors

The World Marathon Majors (WMM) was established in 1983 as a series of the most prestigious and iconic marathons in the world. The WMM consists of six races: the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, the Berlin Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the Tokyo Marathon.


2019

Marathon Running as a Global Phenomenon

Marathon running has become a global phenomenon, with millions of participants and spectators each year. The term 'marathon' has transcended its historical context to symbolize endurance, determination, and the ultimate test of human capabilities. It continues to inspire individuals of all backgrounds to push their limits and embrace the challenge of completing 26.2 miles.


Did you know?

Did you know that the oldest annual marathon in the world is the Boston Marathon? It first took place in 1897 and has since become one of the most prestigious marathons, attracting participants from all over the globe.

Tagged

awareness fun sports

First identified

5th February 2017

Most mentioned on

19th February 2017

Total mentions

26

Other days

wing

Wing Day

left handers

Left Handers Day

golf

Golf Day


fitness

Fitness Day

foundation

Foundation Day

cancer survivors

Cancer Survivors Day


dance

Dance Day

memorial

Memorial Day

gymnastics

Gymnastics Day


student athlete

Student Athlete Day