The remarkable story of the first marathon runner Bashny.Net

In the photo, participants of the Summer Olympic Games of 1896 in the discipline of the marathon. This Olympiad held in Greece.





The victory in the marathon won the Greek Spiridon Louis. In 1896, he was 23 years old and worked as a water carrier. He ran as Spyridon shoes, which lent to his village. The route took the historic step of the town of Marathon to Athens. Total kicked off 17 people. From the very beginning of the race Spiridon was not the favorite. However, stopping to drink a glass of wine, he announced publicly that definitely win this race.

Immediately after the town Pikermi, where he made a stop for the purpose of enjoying a glass of wine, the road went uphill and many favorites began to go the distance. That's when Spyridon became a leader of the marathon. Winning time was 2 hours 58 minutes. Athlete, won a bronze medal, was disqualified because of the way he drove the cart.

The Greeks are so happy victory Spyridon Louis that he was offered a free meal during the year, a free haircut lifelong, 10 cows and 30 sheep. In the euphoria of winning the king said, "Ask me anything you want, and I'll give it to you." Spiridon just asked for a cart for distribution of water villagers.