Marathon world record progression races were first held in 1896, but the distance was not standardized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) until 1921. The actual distance for pre-1921 races frequently varied slightly from the present figure of 42.195 km (26 miles 385 yards). In qualifying races for the 1896 Summer Olympics, Greek runners Charilaos Vasilakos (3:18:00) and Ioannis Lavrentis (3:11:27) won the first two modern marathons. On April 10, 1896, Spiridon Louis of Greece won the first Olympic marathon in Athens, Greece in a time of 2:58:50; however, the distance for the event was reported to be only 40,000 meters. Three
Pittsburgh Marathon with a new title sponsor, Dick's Sporting Goods, and renewed interest in the race. The 1988 and 2000 races were USA Olympic Trials for women and men, that were held separately from the regular event although both were held over the same course. Aside from the main marathon event, several races occur during the weekend of the marathon, including a half marathon, two to five person marathon relay, 5k race, and "kids marathon." All races except for the "kids marathon" and 5k utilize the same route and starting time as the marathon. Attendance and popularity of the events has risen