5 of the Oldest Marathons and the Inspiring Stories That Surround Them

The marathon as we recognize it today is more than 120 years old. However, distance races have been run around the world in various formats since the time of the ancient Egyptians.

The marathon was established as an Olympic distance at the world’s first modern Olympic Games in 1896. A common misconception is that the origins of the marathon lie in the ancient Olympics. However, in the ancient Olympics, which were staged between 776 BC and 261 AD, the longest race was less than 5 kilometers in length.

In the modern Olympics, the marathon was adopted as a central part of programming. In addition, numerous cities around the world stage their own marathons today, recognizing the race’s popular appeal.

Although historians have established that marathons were not a component in ancient Olympic programming, in reality, ancient humans did have to run distances far greater than marathons. One of humankind’s greatest assets is stamina, enabling hunters to chase down prey.

As weaponry became more sophisticated, the need to cover such vast distances diminished. Nevertheless, throughout history, running has been a prized military skill, particularly among the Egyptians, with King Taharka establishing a grueling 100-kilometer race in order to keep his army in peak condition.

We look at five of the oldest marathons in the world, sharing the stories behind them.

Seoul International Marathon — Seoul, South Korea

Established in 1931, the Seoul International Marathon is held in mid-March each year. Attracting some 20,000 participants, it is the oldest marathon event on the Asian continent. The Seoul International Marathon is a symbolic representation of Korea’s modern history, which is also known as “the Miracle On the Han River.”

Starting at Gwanghwamun Palace, right in the heart of the South Korean capital, the course passes city hall, then on to Cheong-Gye-Cheon, before ending at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.

Kosice Marathon — Kosice, Slovakia

The first Kosice Peace Marathon was held in 1924, featuring just eight male participants. Paused from 1938 to 1944 due to World War II, and again in 2020 due to the pandemic, the event first allowed female entrants in 1980.

The city of Kosice is home to Slovakia’s largest pedestrian promenade, covering almost a kilometer of Hlavna Street, providing entrants with glimpses of this historic city’s fascinating buildings, churches, and gothic cathedral.

The second largest of Slovakia’s marathons after the Bratislava Marathon, the International Peace Marathon of Kosice is one of the oldest marathons in Europe. Staged on the first Sunday in October each year, the event attracts more than 10,000 entrants annually.

Comrades Marathon — Durban and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Established in 1921, the Comrades Marathon takes place in May or June each year, its number of entrants capped at a colossal 18,000.

The inaugural Comrades Marathon was staged on May 24, 1921. The event was founded by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, who marched more than 1,700 miles across East Africa during the war, and wanted to honor his fallen comrades. Vic Clapham made a request to the League of Comrades of the Great War, asking for their help in putting together the event. The League turned him down twice before finally relenting.

Covering more than 89 kilometers, the Comrades Marathon is one of the world’s longest running and toughest ultramarathons.

Yonkers Marathon — New York, United States

Little known outside of the United States, the Yonkers Marathon is staged near New York City, boasting a history that dates back more than a century, having started in 1907.

The course of the Yonkers Marathon skirts the banks of the Hudson River. At its second edition in 1908, the Yonkers Marathon attracted 145 participants, as well as 20,000 spectators. Today, 1,000 participants take part in the marathon each year. Women have only been allowed to officially participate since 1972.

The Yonkers Marathon has a reputation as a tough, hilly course, which starts and finishes in downtown Yonkers. The course takes competitors through the scenic but challenging hills, then alongside the beautiful River Hudson.

James F. Crowley won the event in 1908, and subsequently went on to earn the title “King of the Marathoners,” after winning more marathons than any other athlete of his day.

Boston Marathon — Eastern Massachusetts, United States

There are few sporting traditions as iconic as the Boston Marathon. Established in 1897, it is the oldest marathon in the world.

The Boston Marathon takes place on Patriots’ Day every year, attracting around 30,000 annual entrants. The event’s founders were inspired by the marathon at the inaugural Olympic Games, and came up with the idea of staging a similar event spanning the Boston area.

One of the race’s most famous features is Heartbreak Hill, which is widely held to be the toughest part of the course, with competitors pitched against several hilly miles, before ascending a painfully steep half-mile climb at mile 20. The hill earned its name in 1936, when Johnny Kelley lost out on a repeat win to Ellison Brown, “breaking Kelley’s heart,” according to the Associated Press.