Track and field’s governing body has approved a route for the marathon at the 2004 Athens Games. The marathon will trace the same route a runner covered in 490 B.C. to announce a Greek victory over Persian invaders.
The marathon follows the route the ancient Pheidippides took from Marathon to Athens. According to legend he collapsed and died after giving word of the Greek triumph.
On the 2004 course runners will circle the tomb of Athenians who fell during the battle. They will finish at the all-marble Panathinaiko Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1996. The marathon was first run during those Games.
Reports say IOC officials wanted the race to finish at the main Olympic sports complex in suburban Athens.
During the IAAF visit, officials also approved plans for two test events at the main Olympic stadium in the spring of 2004 – the Greek and Balkan championships. Both events were to be held earlier but renovation delays forced a postponement.
