Marathon

According to legend, after the Battle of Marathon Greek warrior Filippid ran to Athens to announce the victory of the Athenians over the Persians, and died from overexertion. And as they overcome the distance was about 40 kilometers, it is a marathon distance became known (to be precise, 42 195 meters). In fact, this has become a legend by mixing two different episodes. Filippid (other sources Pheidippides) overcame a run just one day a much greater distance - 225 kilometers from Athens to Sparta - to ask for military assistance. But the Athenians at the Battle of Marathon in the end to help themselves, and then made a very quick march 40 kilometers to his city to prevent there another part of the Persian army, floating on the sea, and thus consolidate its victory.