Runner (soldier) wounded twice and received both the Iron Cross first class and second class during the war. Runner (soldier) A runner was a military courier, a foot soldier responsible for carrying messages during war. Runners were very important to military communications, before telecommunications became commonplace. The Ancient Greek semi-historical character of Pheidippides is said to have been the runner bringing the news of the Greek victory over the Persians from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC. Even though field telephones were widely used for the first time during World War I (1914–18), they relied on copper wire lines, which were often
Macau Marathon in 1990. The annual marathon race was suspended in 1997 due to the opening of the Macau Olympic Stadium, but a half marathon was held for the first time in its place that year, maintaining the race continuity. The course takes in both Taipa and Coloane (the islands which make up the region) and begins and ends at the Macau Olympic Complex stadium. Since 1998, three races have been held at each edition: the full marathon, a half marathon, and a shorter mini-marathon (roughly 6.5 km). The marathon race attracts a majority of overseas runners, with average yearly totals of