The New Yorker recently published a fascinating article about the history of the modern-day marathon and how New York City played the biggest role in making it what it is today.
On Sunday, more than fifty thousand runners will mass behind the starting line of the New York City Marathon. What will they think they are doing? Some might believe that, in running twenty-six miles and three hundred and eighty-five yards, they are recreating an ancient Greek myth. Other historically minded participants will curse the British Royal Family, for whose pleasure the 1908 Olympic marathon course was stretched to its current length. But few runners will know that the city whose streets they are about to race through created the marathon as we understand it today.
Read through the full article for the history of the modern marathon.
via The New Yorker
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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