History of the Marathon

History of the Marathon

From History Dispatches by Matt and McKinley Breen

May 7, 2026 · 19 min · Season 2 · Episode 149

About this episode

This episode explores the history of the marathon, its origins in ancient Greece, and the reasons behind its specific distance.

Running a marathon is extremely impressive feat, but still fully attainable by most people with some grit and dedication. But its distance - at 26.22 miles or 42.195 km - is a little bit odd. So, why is the marathon as long as it is? That history goes back to a battle fought in ancient Greece, an army running a long distance, and some British royalty wanting to see the start of the race in 1908. This is the history of the marathon. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon https://web.archive.org/web/20080924220856/http://www.european-athletics.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6235&Itemid=2 Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phidippides.jpg Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only. While supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt Breen, McKinley Breen

Topics covered

  • marathon history
  • ancient Greece
  • running
  • British royalty
  • distance running

Keywords

  • marathon
  • history
  • Greece
  • running
  • British royalty
  • distance

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Dispatches, British royalty, Airwave Media Network

Books & works: Marathon

Places: Greece

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