Every time someone runs a marathon, they metaphorically retrace steps taken during one of the most momentous events in world history, the Battle of Marathon in 490BCE.
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| Marathon Logo for 2010 |
A few thousand Athenian and Parthian soldiers, led by the warrior Miltiades destroyed a huge force of invading Persians on the plain of Marathon, a victory widely acknowledged to have ensured the democratic legacy of Western culture.
2010 is the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon. And the organizers of the Athens Classic Marathon, on October 31, 2010 are preparing for another invasion, but a friendly one this time.
That marathon was first run as an athletic race when the Olympics were revived as modern games in 1896 in Athens is a well-known fact, but only a few would know about its origin. The origin lies very close to the ancient Greek city, Marathon. The race derived its name from the city where Battle of Marathon was fought between Athens and Persia in 490 BC, an event that was a turning point in the history of Greece.
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| Ready for Battle at Marathon |
Legends have it that a Greek runner ran non-stop from Marathon to Athens to announce the defeat of Persians, who had invaded Greece, in the battle. The idea of marathon race in 1896 Olympics then proliferated, recalling the ancient glory of Greek’s victory.
This year happens to be the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon and a record 12,500 athletes are set to run in the Athens Classic Marathon on October 31 to mark the occasion, Reuters reported.
Athens Classic Marathon has been a major tourism event as well for Greece and with the highest number of participants ever this year, travel and tourism industry officials foresee the event a boost for tourism. In addition, 90 per cent of the participants are foreigners, meaning the Marathon is an opportunity for them to tour Greece, said an official.
To make the big day more happening for tourists and spectators, organizers have planned live concerts in the center of Athens to commemorate the origin of marathon races. Also during the event, veteran marathon athletes and winners will be honored. These include Italian Stephano Baldini, who won the 2004 Olympic Games Marathon in Athens and Constantina Dita from Romania who won the 2008 Olympic Games Marathon in Beijing, just to name a few among many.
Getting there: New York to Athens is approximately $740. Shanghai to Athens is $1,170. London to Athens is $210.
Staying There: The St. George Lycabettus Hotel is an individual and chic property, designed for the discerning traveler and is rated 5 stars. Situated in Kolonaki, the most exclusive quarter of Athens. for just $139 a night.
See: the 2,500 Anniversary of the Battle of Marathon festivities. The 2,500-year anniversary of the Battle of Marathon is a great opportunity to highlight the country's comparative strengths, the values that we represent across time, the great potential that we have. It is a great opportunity to help Athens become an international destination due to this athletic event of global impact that this year also acquires and cultural and tourism side.
Another event is 'The Marathon Marathon Project' that will take place in Athens at the Acropolis Museum on October 31, 2010 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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| Athens Marathon Course |
The project takes as its point of departure the impressive international array of marathon-format events which are rooted in the concept of superhuman endeavor, in the seemingly impossible but historically real feat of the Battle of Marathon. A particular point of reference was the international event entitled "The Marathon Project," which has been held annually since 2005 as part of the Serpentine Gallery art program in London.
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