Three things you didn't know about running a marathon...

1.Taking part could be bad for your health

The name ‘Marathon’ originates from the legend of Pheidippides, who was said to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens, a distance of 24.8 miles, to announce the victory of the Greeks over the Persians. Pheidippides was so exhausted that he collapsed and died.

 

2. Women were once deemed too delicate for marathon running

The first all-women’s marathon was held in Waldniel, West Germany in 1973. Because some women collapsed during the 1928 Olympics 800m race, it was decided that 200m would be their maximum distance as anything beyond that would be too strenuous. 

 

3. There’s a 24-hour time limit

New regulations for the marathon state that the race must be completed in one day.

 

Despite these obstacles, on Sunday 20 October 2013, I am going to attempt The York Plusnet Marathon while also raising money for a fantastic charity. St Leonard's Hospice cares for local people with life-threatening illnesses - often, though not always cancer. St Leonard's is based in my hometown of York and, with your help, I'd love to be able to make a donation to their work. There is more information about the amazing work they do on the right of this page. 

Thank you for your contribution and support.  

 

Bex