For many high school students, an unpleasant experience included the mandatory runs in P.E. Those same students would have trouble relating to people who not only enjoy running that mile, but volunteer to, and not only that, but are trained to run for hours. Imagine running not just one mile but several, and for fun. This might sound crazy, but yes there are people who enjoy running. Running isn’t just moving your legs at a fast pace, there is more to it. It’s about feeling free and secure as you take a step at a time. Running has brought thousands of people together to compete in a human race of 26 miles.
Marathons started back in 490 B.C. when the Athens received the big news of victory in Marathon, Greece. Centuries later when the Olympics started, running marathons had begun. The first organized marathon was on April 10, 1896 held by the Greeks. It was 24.85 miles long and consisted of 25 runners. The winner accomplished the course in 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 50 seconds. From that day on the Olympics included a running marathon of 26.2 miles long.
The first annual race for United States was The Boston Marathon on April 19, 1897. The starting point of the race was at Hopkinton, Massachusetts and ended twenty six miles away in Boston’s historic Back Bay. Unlike today’s marathons, where thousands of people participate, only fifteen runners participated in this event.
Kathrine Switzer was the first women to enter the Boston Marathon and brought a great deal of controversy. She had always liked challenging men in anything, but back then people saw it rather wrong than right. It was not until 1984 that women marathons were brought up in Los Angeles for the summer Olympics. The race consisted of fifty female runners from twenty eight countries. Fist place winner was Joan Benoit from the United States, receiving a gold medal. In second place came Grete Waitz from Norway getting a silver medal. And in third place winner receiving the bronze medal was Rosa Mota from Portugal.
Being first place winner in a marathon has become a very important goal for several athletes throughout the years. Just like any other sport, running in a marathon takes a lot of training. It also takes a lot of time, skill, passion, and dedication to be in an Olympic marathon.
Running marathons started from being a competitive sport to being an event to benefit others. World wide, people have gotten together to form a marathon supporting a certain disease, like breast cancer. There are marathons that are 26 miles, 12 miles, or 6 miles. Every contestant has to pay a fee; all the money gathered goes to those in need due to an illness. It is a great experience and you do not loose anything. You help others and yourself as well.
If interested in these types of events, there is a Modesto Marathon. This marathon promotes a healthy lifestyle, and physical fitness. All participants will be provided by treats the day of the marathon which will be held March 20, 2011. A duffle bag will be given to the first 2,000 runners to register. Registration is now open online at Active.com. Do not miss this amazing life experience.
Marathon (26.2 miles): $75; after Feb. 20, 2011, $85. No race day registration.
Half Marathon (13.1 miles): $55; after Feb. 20, 2011, $65. No race day registration.
5K (3.1 miles): $20; after Feb. 20, 2011, $25; race day registration, $30.