Marathon: Running History and an Ancient Battle

Marathon brings together the memory of an ancient battle and the history of the international marathon. Several themes can help you plan your trip: the Tomb of Marathon, the Marathon Tumulus in the surrounding area, and exhibitions on the history of sport and culture. The Tomb of Marathon is also known as the Soros. It lies 42 kilometres from Athens, near the site of the battle fought in 490 BC between the ancient Athenians and the Persians.

The Marathon and the Peace March

The annual international marathon starts at the Tomb of Marathon and commemorates Spyros Louis’s victory at the 1896 Olympic Games. The annual March for Peace offers a different historical perspective. It begins at the tomb and ends in central Athens. The march commemorates the first March for Peace, organised in 1963 by the Greek politician and pacifist Grigoris Lambrakis. The two events share a starting point but commemorate different things: the marathon draws on the history of Olympic running, while the March for Peace recalls Lambrakis’s peace march.

The history of the battle in the surrounding area

The Marathon Tumulus, a burial mound 50 metres in diameter, lies in the surrounding area. It was built after the battle between the Athenians and the Persians. The remains of 192 Athenian fighters who fell at Marathon were buried in the tumulus. Its dimensions provide a sense of its scale; the burial account explains its connection to the fallen.

The history of sport and culture

The permanent exhibition at the Marathon Run Museum covers the history of the Olympic marathons from 1896 to 2000. This time span offers a different perspective from the starting facilities for the annual international marathon over the classic distance, which are also located in the historic settlement of Marathon. The Marathon Race Exhibition Center is located there as well. If you plan to visit the center, check its current opening hours in advance.

The municipality of Marathon is also home to the Varnavas Interactive Agricultural Folklore Museum, whose collection comprises 5,000 exhibits. Its name points to agriculture and folklore, and thus to a cultural focus different from the history of the Olympic marathons. The museum complements the history of sport and the battle with this distinct subject area.

Lake Marathon in the surrounding area

Lake Marathon is located in the surrounding area. It was formed after the construction of the Marathon Dam, where the Haradros and Varnavas streams meet. This adds a landscape perspective to the historic memorial sites and running history: the lake’s formation is tied to the dam and the confluence of the two streams. If you would also like to explore the surrounding area as you plan your trip, the lake’s origins offer a distinct point of interest.

When looking for a hotel in Marathon, the purpose of your trip can be a useful starting point. If you want your stay to coincide with one of the annual events, check the specific date before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Vari, Zastano, Koropi, Markopoulo Mesogaias, Thimari, East Attica, Voula, Artemida

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