02-12-2006, 03:29 PM
Thanks for the clarification, Stefanos. Many sources give ALL the running to Pheidippides - he ran to Sparta and back, fought at Marathon, ran to Athens, gasped the word "Victory" and died.
If Nikias carried his shield, he was practically doing a Marathon Hoplodromy.
Felix, I remember my Marathon time was slow! (just looked it up in my scrapbook - 3hrs. 29m. 25s.! Can't find any record of my other times, although I ran the distance six times.) Also, training on asphalt caused permanent knee damage and early-onset arthritis put paid to my hopes.
I did, however, run a 5km race several times after that in Viking armour - mailshirt, helmet, shield and sword. Carrying a shield is a real nuisance if there's a head- or side-wind!
What we could do is support Felix in his attempt, perhaps by marching the distance in full kit. We could start ahead of him and carry water for him, then act as escort.
If his plan comes to fruition, it could kick the Greek government into sponsoring a re-enactment event. It would certainly be hard to ignore!
If Nikias carried his shield, he was practically doing a Marathon Hoplodromy.
Felix, I remember my Marathon time was slow! (just looked it up in my scrapbook - 3hrs. 29m. 25s.! Can't find any record of my other times, although I ran the distance six times.) Also, training on asphalt caused permanent knee damage and early-onset arthritis put paid to my hopes.
I did, however, run a 5km race several times after that in Viking armour - mailshirt, helmet, shield and sword. Carrying a shield is a real nuisance if there's a head- or side-wind!
What we could do is support Felix in his attempt, perhaps by marching the distance in full kit. We could start ahead of him and carry water for him, then act as escort.
If his plan comes to fruition, it could kick the Greek government into sponsoring a re-enactment event. It would certainly be hard to ignore!
