March 3, 2012
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2012 DC Marathon – Training Week 14 (2 wks to go)
This morning my youngest daughter asked me way doing people run 26.2 miles – why not 30 miles? Good question.
It’s because in 490 BC, the Greek army repelled a Persian naval invasion on the plains surrounding the coastal city of Marathon. According to legend, a runner was sent to Athens to relay news of the victory. Upon reaching Athens, the young man shouted “Rejoice, we counquered!” and fell to the ground dead. The distance of this Marathon run was roughly 24 miles.
So where – does the extra distance comes from? (Glad you asked) At the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the marathon distance was upped to 26.2 miles to cover the ground from Windsor Castle to White City stadium, so the race could finish in front of royal family’s viewing seat.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
