– why is a Marathon called Marathon?
C2:
The term marathon originates from a blend of history and legend rooted in ancient Greece. It refers to the long-distance foot race of 42.195 kilometers, named after the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. According to legend, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from the battlefield near the town of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. Upon delivering his message, he allegedly collapsed and died from exhaustion. Although historians debate the accuracy of this tale, it inspired the naming of the modern race.
The marathon was first introduced as an Olympic event during the inaugural modern Games in Athens in 1896. The original distance was approximately 40 kilometers, echoing the mythic run. However, in the 1908 London Olympics, the course was extended to 42.195 kilometers to accommodate the British royal family’s viewing preferences. This distance eventually became the official standard.
Over time, the marathon has evolved from a commemorative race into a global phenomenon, symbolizing endurance, determination, and personal achievement. Major international marathons attract both elite athletes and amateurs, reflecting the event’s broad appeal. Its name, born from ancient heroism and myth, remains a powerful testament to human resilience and the enduring spirit of competition.
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C1:
The word marathon comes from a famous story in ancient Greek history. In 490 BCE, the Greeks won a major battle against the Persians at a place called Marathon. According to legend, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens, about 40 kilometers, to report the victory. After delivering the message, he collapsed and died from exhaustion. While the story may not be completely true, it became a powerful symbol of endurance.
When the modern Olympic Games were created in 1896, the marathon was added to honor this legend. The first race was about 40 kilometers, the same distance as the legendary run. However, during the 1908 London Olympics, the race was extended to 42.195 kilometers so it could start at Windsor Castle and end in front of the royal box. This distance was later made official.
Today, marathons are held all over the world and attract runners of all levels. The event is not just a race; it is a test of physical and mental strength. Many people train for months to complete it. The name marathon has come to represent human determination and the will to overcome challenges, just like the ancient Greek hero.
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B2:
The word marathon comes from a story from ancient Greece. In 490 BCE, there was a big battle between the Greeks and the Persians at a place called Marathon. After the Greeks won, a soldier named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to bring the news of victory. The distance was about 40 kilometers. After he arrived and gave the message, he fell to the ground and died. This story became very famous, even though it may not be completely true.
When the modern Olympic Games started in 1896 in Athens, the organizers included a long-distance race to remember this story. The first marathon race was about 40 kilometers long. Later, during the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the race was made longer so it could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal family’s seats. This made the distance 42.195 kilometers, which became the official marathon length.
Today, marathons take place in cities around the world. People of all ages and levels run in them, not just professional athletes. A marathon is seen as a symbol of strength, hard work, and never giving up. Running a marathon is a big goal for many people, and finishing one is a great achievement.
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B1:
The word marathon comes from a story in ancient Greece. In 490 BCE, the Greeks fought a big battle against the Persians at a place called Marathon. After the Greeks won the battle, a soldier named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to tell the people about the victory. The distance was about 40 kilometers. When he arrived and gave the message, he fell down and died. This story became very famous, even if it may not be completely true.
In 1896, the modern Olympic Games started in Athens. The organizers wanted to remember the old story, so they created a long-distance race and called it the marathon. The first race was about 40 kilometers long. In the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the race became longer—42.195 kilometers—because the British royal family wanted the race to start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of their seats. That is the official distance of a marathon today.
Now, marathons happen in many countries around the world. People run them to test their strength and to feel proud. Many people train for months to finish the race. A marathon is a great challenge and a big achievement for anyone who finishes it.
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A2:
The word marathon comes from a story in ancient Greece. A long time ago, in 490 BCE, the Greeks had a big fight with the Persians. This fight happened in a place called Marathon. The Greeks won the battle. A Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to tell the people that the Greeks won. He ran about 40 kilometers. After he gave the message, he fell down and died. This story is very famous, even if it may not be 100% true.
In 1896, the modern Olympic Games began in Athens. The people who made the Olympics wanted to remember the story, so they made a new race called the marathon. The first marathon was about 40 kilometers long. Later, in 1908 in London, the race became a little longer—42.195 kilometers—so it could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the king’s family. Today, that is the official marathon distance.
Now, people all over the world run marathons. Some are professional runners, but many are just normal people. A marathon is not easy. People train for many months. Running a marathon shows strength and courage. It is a great goal and a big success to finish one.
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A1:
The word marathon comes from a story in old Greece. A long time ago, in 490 BCE, there was a big fight between the Greeks and the Persians. This fight was in a place called Marathon. The Greeks won the fight. A soldier named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to tell the people about the win. He ran about 40 kilometers. After he said, “We won,” he fell down and died. This story is very old and famous.
In 1896, the modern Olympic Games started in Athens. The people who made the Olympics wanted to remember the old story. They made a long race and called it the marathon. The first marathon was about 40 kilometers long. In 1908, at the London Olympic Games, the race became a little longer—42.195 kilometers. It started at Windsor Castle and finished near the king’s family. Today, this is the official distance.
Now, people run marathons all over the world. Some runners are fast, but many people run just for fun or for a personal goal. Running a marathon is very hard. People train for many weeks or months. It is a big success to finish. A marathon shows strength and a strong heart.
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