Marathons, fun runs and big walks
Runners at the starting point of the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon at Dataran Merdeka, 2003.
The marathon is based on the Greek legend of Pheidippides, who in 490 BCE ran more than 40 kilometres to Athens to convey the news that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon. Race walking is far younger, dating back to the 18th century, when aristocrats in Europe took to wagering over whose footman was fastest. Since the 1960s, Malaysia has played host to an array of marathons, fun runs and big walks for competitive, social and charitable purposes.
- Information in the full article includes
- Modern competitions
- Events in Malaysia