Marathon poem, his composite story, became part of late 19th century popular culture and was accepted as a historic legend. Mount Pentelicus stands between Marathon and Athens, which means that if Philippides actually made his famous run after the battle, he had to run around the mountain, either to the north or to the south. The latter and more obvious route matches almost exactly the modern Marathon-Athens highway, which follows the lay of the land southwards from Marathon Bay and along the coast, then takes a gentle but protracted climb westwards towards the eastern approach to Athens, between the foothills of
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