Battle of Marathon of events, with the competitors running from Marathon to Athens. So popular was this event that it quickly caught on, becoming a fixture at the Olympic games, with major cities staging their own annual events. The distance eventually became fixed at 26 miles 385 yards, or 42.195 km, though for the first years it was variable, being around —the approximate distance from Marathon to Athens. Battle of Marathon The Battle of Marathon (Greek: , "Machē tou Marathōnos") took place in 490 BC, during the first Persian invasion of Greece. It was fought between the citizens of Athens, aided by Plataea,
Oceania Marathon and Half Marathon Championships Oceania Marathon and Half Marathon Championships The Oceania Marathon and Half Marathon Championships are an annual Road running competition organized by the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) for athletes representing the countries of its member associations. They were established in 2008. Races are featured for male and female athletes. The event is held together with the Gold Coast Marathon. The first three open men and women Oceania athletes to finish the Marathon and Half Marathon will be presented with the Oceania Championship medals. Complete results (beginning in 2009) can be found on the Gold Coast Marathon website. The results for 2008