What was the origin of the Marathon race?

In 490 BC the previously invincible Persian Army of more than 20,000 Persian troops and conscripts landed by ship on the Plain of Marathon. The Athenian and Plataeaian army of 11,000 met them in a defensive position. The armies faced each other for eleven days before the battle began. While the Athenians were hoping that Sparta would join them in battle, the Persians did not want to send their inferior cavalry against the Cavalry of Athens.

When the battle began the center of battle was won by the Persians but the Athenian army swept into the center from the wings, and the Persians were routed. What was left of the Persian army escaped to their ships where they planned to sail up the coast and attack the City of Athens. A messenger was ordered to run to Athens, 26 miles away with the message, 'Nenikikamen' We are Victorious. The Athenian army then marched double time back to Athens and arrived before the Persian navy, which had to sail around Cape Sounion. The Persian army arrived and saw that the city was defended, and returned in shame and defeat to Persia.

In the end 6,400 Persians were slaughtered while only 192 Greeks were killed, proving that superior tactics and training could defeat superior numbers. The Greek victory at Marathon was one of the greatest military victories of all time.

The distance for the Marathon race is in honor of the runner who announced Athens' victory in a battle where superior tactics defeated superior numbers.