1904 Olympic Marathon

When an Athenian soldier bore the news of the battle of Marathon to the Grecian capital, covering a distance equal to twenty-five miles with only his own legs to carry him, and in a space of time that would have been creditable to a horse much faster than a man, an athletic record was established which men have striven to excel in ever since. In 1896 in the city of its origin the best runners of the world gathered in a contest for the Marathon honors. At the Paris Exposition of 1900, the race was run again. In the above photo, the champions of the world, numbering 31 representing nearly every nationality, lined up in the third revival of the ancient sport. From the starting point, where the men are awaiting the report of the revolver that would send them off. The course was once around the Stadium track, over country roads and back to the arena for the finish. The course was, at that time, the most difficult ever covered. Three hours and 29 minutes after this picture was taken, No. 20, Thomas J. Hicks of Cambridge, Mass., came back from the long journey and crossed the finish line, an exhausted winner of the Marathon cup, presented by World's Fair President David R. Francis. Only 12 athletes completed the course.

Return to main page | Return to map page


If you have questions or comments regarding the 1904 World's Fair feel free to contact me at
Terry's 1904 World's Fair Page.