Battle of Marathon as Philippides, and this name is also preferred in a few modern editions. When the idea of a modern Olympics became a reality at the end of the 19th century, the initiators and organizers were looking for a great popularizing event, recalling the ancient glory of Greece. The idea of organizing a "marathon race" came from Michel Bréal, who wanted the event to feature in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens. This idea was heavily supported by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, as well as the Greeks. This would echo the legendary version
Empúries Marathon With over 1,847 athletes for the three tests in 2013 edition, the start and finish are performed at the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia-Empúries, and, just before the race started, the runners cross the ancient Greek city of Empúries to the starting position. List of the winners of the Empúries Marathon. The current course records of 2:23:45 (men) and 3:02:01 (women) are set in 2012 by Sergio Enriquez Castells and in 2006 by Anna Rosa Moreno respectively. Key: Empúries Marathon The Empúries Marathon (Catalan:"Marató d'Empúries") is a long-distance run (42.195 km) which takes place in Empúries, the ancient Greek and Roman