Finshed, 4hrs 59min 23sec. The last 385 yards was the killer. As we turned the last corner, could see the official clock close to striking 5 hours and everyone was trying to get there before it does that. Tried to push but legs were like jelly; just managed. The only problem is, have to try a 3.59 next year.

May I thank all the sponsors for your very very openhanded donations. The children and families supported by CLDF are grateful and I am impressed by your generosity and kindheartedness.

Please read on, you might find the following interesting.

The first Marathon race took place in 1896 in Athens, during the Olympics. The runners ran from the Marathon Bridge to the Olympic Stadium, a distance of 24.8 miles. There were 8 runners from Boston who introduced the race to Boston in 1897. The Boston race was 24.7 miles, as that’s how far the train could take them in those days, and they had to run back to Boston.

The official length of 26.2 miles was decided upon in London in 1908 during the Olympic games. The distance was supposed to be 26 miles but the officials wanted the race to finish in front of the Royal box, so it was extended by 385 (386) yards, and that’s were it stands. London has been hosting marathon each year since 1981, but Boston has the longest history of 113 years.

The name of the athletic long-distance endurance race, the “marathon”, comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier, who was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been miraculously defeated in the Battle of Marathon. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping, but moments after proclaiming his message "Nenikekamen" ("We were Victorious!"), he collapsed and died from exhaustion (this is a myth not history). Marathon (μάραθον) is the Greek word for fennel. It is believed that the town was originally named so because of an abundance of fennel plants in the area.

Thank you again,
Kind Regards
Naved
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Naved