NOT JUST A SPORTING EVENT
Image via Wikipedia-Statue of Pheidippides along the Marathon Road
Every time someone runs a marathon,metaphorically,they retrace steps taken during one of the most momentous events in World Histoty.It was the Battle of Marathon,led by Miltiades,in 490 BC that took place on the plain of Marathon where a huge force of invading Persians was defeated and the victory ensured the democratic legacy of Western culture.
According to legend a messenger named Pheidippides was sent to Athens to bring news of victory.He ran 42 km from the battle field to the capital,announced the joyous message and died.This is the inspiration for the Marathon race we know today,the modern Marathon that commemorates this feat.
Not just a sporting event but also the highest effort where the Human body,Soul and Mind called forth to reach the finish line,the flame born by a historical and heroic event …
On Sunday November 13, over 20,000 athletes from 96 countries participated in the 29th version of the Athens Classic Marathon,an event that gathers global exposure and significance.Besides the 42 km race in the original course,from the Marathon Tomb to the Panathenaic or Kallimarmaron Stadium in central Athens,the event includes the 5,000 and 10,000 metre races and in addition some other minor competitions.
It was a gentle event that inspired with hope the sorely tried Greece.
Image via Wikipedia-The Kallimarmaron Stadium
Every long-distance runner in the world should want to run from Marathon to Athens,to relive history and experience the power of the human will .
I would also like to make reference to the name of the place Marathonas as most Marathon runners might ignore its connection with the fennel plant.Marathon is the Greek word for fennel and the Marathon town in Attica as well as the surrounding area where the Marathon Battle took place abound with wild fennel.
Wild Fennel - Marathon and Marathon Runners
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Very stimulating article!i liked very much the reference to the origins of the word marathon but most of all the thing is that the battle in marathon in 490 bc shows the will,strength of mind and courage that are needed for a country to continue its existence!
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By: Dr Lucas on 18/12/2011
at 11:59
The power of will,my dearest Dr.Lucas,works miracles and miracles creare history in any case …
The mind of man sits high and finds ways to gain courage and strenght to survive …
Concerning the reference to the origins of the word,I would like to give you an answer through an extract from my previous posts :
Onomastics,Anthroponomastics,Toponomastics,hypocoristics,diminutive names,nicknames which in the future turned into Surnames (Second Names),bynames and ancestral namesakes that scholars aim to study and explain the origin and the history of countless names all over the world. A very good example is “The American Name Society” founded in 1951 that promotes Onomastics by investigating cultural insights,history and linguistic traits behind the names. Also “The English Place-Name Society” concerned with Toponomastics,the study of Toponyms.
Onomatology is a very interesting part of languages and when taught in schools students build up knowledge in a very pleasant way by exploring History,Mythology,Geography,Religions,their cultural and social background and many other sources of interest.
https://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/onomatology-and-made-up-names-part-a/
I strongly believe in the study and practice of those sciences.
Thanks for your comments Dr.Lucas.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/12/2011
at 21:47
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By: Be Careful What You Wish For | Ironwoman In Training - Amara Vadee Poolswasdi on 08/12/2011
at 12:39
I like that piece of information about the fennel!
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By: Andrew Petcher on 21/11/2011
at 16:05
Hi,Andrew!
Still alive and kicking and posting your interesting travel experiences?
I had already started my journey to Cyclades through your posts and commented on Paros-Paroikia,which I totally enjoyed,but there was no reply,so, I thougth to myself what was the point of keeping the journey and commenting …
However,I can take the alternative of going on without leaving replies or comments.Still,it can tickle my fancy.
Anyway,thanks for coming by out of the blue and for liking my ‘fennel’ elucidation.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 21/11/2011
at 16:46
very interesting post…the 29th version of the Athens Classic Marathon seems like a way to feel free. It is an action that shows our respect to our history… D
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By: Anonymous on 18/11/2011
at 20:48
Thank you Lady D for coming by and commenting.
Delighted you liked the concept of the post and the historical references to our culture and our strong institutions.
It’s the ideal of ‘The Free Spirit’ Lady D,always alive and present everywhere,inspiring and creative for the Restless Mind …
Greetings
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By: DG MARYOGA on 20/11/2011
at 21:48
ΠΟΛΥ ΩΡΑΙΟ Post! V
Love from Stockholm
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By: Anonymous on 16/11/2011
at 21:53
Thank you Vanilla.
I got the copy of the dissertation as well as all the related material.
Hope you easily cope with freezing weather.
Take care
Doda
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2011
at 17:40
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By: Athens, Marathon and Legacy « Stuff That Interests Me on 15/11/2011
at 22:01
I visited your related post which was tottaly stimulating.
Rich historical details in reference to the Battle of Marathon and not only that.
Indeed,one of most crucial battles in the history of the West.
Thanks kindly for coming by.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 16/11/2011
at 18:36