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The Athenian force was lurking in the hills around Marathon waiting for reinforcement from Sparta when they saw the Persian cavalry being loaded onto ships. They seized the opportunity, rand down and defeated the inferior Persian infantry unprotected by its cavalry. Then they realised that the Persian cavalry was being shipped around to Athens to capture it in their absence. The Athenian soldiers ran back the 26 miles to Athens and formed up in front of the city just as the persian cavalry was being disembarked. Frustrated, the Persians went home.

The 26-mile marathon run of today commemorates that great run. The difference today is that our pampered athletes don't have to carry a suit of armour, shield, helmet and weapons, and run in sandals, which the Athenian 18,000 warriors had to - willingly to save their homes and families.

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