The Surprising Origins of the Marathon Race
- 1. The Marathon race has surprising origins dating back to ancient Greece. Legend has it that a messenger named Pheidippides ran over 26 miles from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians in the Battle of Marathon. Upon delivering the news, he collapsed and died from exhaustion, inspiring the modern-day Marathon race. The first official marathon race was held during the 1896 Olympics in Athens, following the same route as Pheidippides. Today, the Marathon race symbolizes endurance, perseverance, and the human spirit triumphing over adversity.
In which year did the first marathon take place?
A) 1500 AD
B) 490 BC
C) 800 BC
D) 200 AD
- 2. Who did Pheidippides deliver his message to in Athens?
A) The Corinthians
B) The Spartans
C) The Persians
D) The Athenians
- 3. Which modern sporting event was inspired by the marathon legend?
A) Tour de France
B) The Olympic Marathon
C) Super Bowl
D) Wimbledon
- 4. Where is the start and finish of the modern marathon race according to tradition?
A) Olympia to Marathon
B) Marathon to Athens
C) Athens to Thebes
D) Sparta to Athens
- 5. When was the marathon race introduced to the modern Olympic Games?
A) 1920
B) 1896
C) 1900
D) 1950
- 6. Who was the winner of the first Olympic Marathon in 1896?
A) Paavo Nurmi
B) Jesse Owens
C) Spyridon Louis
D) Thomas Burke
- 7. Which city was the host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896?
A) Athens
B) London
C) Los Angeles
D) Paris
- 8. Who is considered the father of the modern marathon race?
A) Pierre de Coubertin
B) Thomas Edison
C) Herbert Asquith
D) Michel Bréal
- 9. What makes the Boston Marathon significant in the history of the race?
A) Highest prize money
B) Shortest marathon course
C) Oldest annual marathon in the world
D) No requirement for qualification
- 10. When was the first Boston Marathon held?
A) 1950
B) 1897
C) 1900
D) 1920
- 11. Who won the first Boston Marathon in 1897?
A) Kenenisa Bekele
B) Billy Mills
C) John J. McDermott
D) Ethiopians
- 12. Who was the winner of the controversial 1908 Olympic marathon?
A) Dorando Pietri
B) Johnny Hayes
C) Messegue
D) Thomas Hicks
- 13. In which year was the marathon officially and permanently set to 26.2 miles by the IAAF?
A) 1936
B) 1948
C) 1921
D) 1954
- 14. Who holds the current men's world record for the marathon?
A) Eliud Kipchoge
B) Haile Gebrselassie
C) Dennis Kimetto
D) Paula Radcliffe
- 15. Which major city hosts one of the world's largest and most famous annual marathons?
A) New York City
B) Tokyo
C) Rio de Janeiro
D) Sydney
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