📌 Did you know?

👉 Marathon Origin: The marathon race’s name and distance (26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers) trace back to the legend of Pheidippides, an ancient Greek messenger. According to the story, Pheidippides ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory before collapsing and dying.

👉 Roger Bannister’s Sub-4 Minute Mile: In 1954, British runner Roger Bannister made history by becoming the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. Bannister’s record-breaking time of 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds at Iffley Road Track in Oxford is a landmark achievement in the history of middle-distance running.

👉 Barefoot Running: The concept of barefoot running gained popularity in recent years, with some runners advocating for the benefits of running without traditional running shoes. Proponents argue that barefoot running can improve foot strength and running form, although opinions on its overall advantages vary.

👉 Parkrun Movement: Parkrun is a global phenomenon that organizes free, weekly, timed 5-kilometer runs in local parks. What started as a small event in London in 2004 has grown into a worldwide community, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in regular, friendly runs.

👉 Ultra-Endurance Challenges: Ultra-marathons, races longer than the traditional marathon distance, attract runners seeking extreme challenges. Races like the Western States Endurance Run and the Badwater 135 push participants to their limits, covering vast distances through challenging terrains like mountains and deserts.