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The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today
The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today
Dates: Opens October 4, 2012
Pheidippides’ heroic run is mostly legend. Yet, it has inspired a race run by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Introduced in Athens in 1896 as a final event of the first modern Olympics, the marathon race is now a global fixture: the embodiment of inspiration, determination, and accomplishment. The Marathon race has served to inspire its participants and their followers to reach new heights, to support fellow runners, to bring attention to important issues, and aspire to a better world for humankind. Like the Olympic Games, which gave the race its start, the Marathon has become a unifying force. The spirit of the Marathon celebrates globalization at its very best: galvanizing national pride through inspirational stories of determination, while providing a global venue for all nations and all people to share their stories.
The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today explores the history, culture and impact of the Marathon through five areas:
- The Legend and Spirit of Pheidippides – tells of Pheidippides’ fabled run from the Battle of Marathon to the streets of Athens to announce the Greek victory over the invading Persians.
- The Modern Marathon – uncovers the beginnings of the modern Marathon race and the roots of international competition in the first modern Olympic Games.
- Running with Purpose – discovers the heart of Stylianos Kyriakides, as he sought to bring attention to his war-ravaged homeland of Greece through his victory in the 1946 Boston Marathon.
- The Spirit Today – continues the role of the spirit of the Marathon in today’s runners and their supporters. This section reveals stories that stirred the hearts of the world and transformed the Marathon from a race against time and distance, to an event of purpose, accomplishment, and unifying spirit.
- The Chicago Marathon – explores the history of the Chicago marathon and its relationship to the city, from the first race held in 1905 to today’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Special Thanks: This exhibition is generously sponsored by National Hellenic Society.
Marathon Special Events and Promotions
Marathon Special Event – Located along the 16th mile, the Musuem will provide complimentary “spirit” arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and coloring pages for children on Sunday, October 7, 2012, in celebration of the 2012 Chicago Marathon.
Discount Admission – As a special promotion, the Museum is offering half price admission, until November 14th only.
Children’s Activites – Children are invited to participate in a Race for Pheidippides scavenger hunt to redeem a prize for their completed course. Exhibit coloring pages will also be available.
Social Media Promotion – For the duration of the exhibit, visitors are invited to take photos under the Marathon Arch and post their pictures on the National Hellenic Musuem’s Facebook page and Tweet their photos to @HellenicMuseum.