Where did the marathon come from?

The marathon is a long distance foot race that goes for 42.195 km (26mi 385 yd). The name 'marathon' came from the legend of Philippides, a Greek messenger. The legend states that during the Battle of Marathon, Philippides saw a Persian vessel change course towards Athens. He say this as an attempt by the Persions to rush into the city and claim a fake win over the Greeks. Philippides was said to have run the entire distance to Athens. When he arrived he ran into the assembly and shouted νενικήκαμεν (nenikēkamen, "we have won!"). Then he collapsed and died. 

While there is debate over the accuracy of this legend, when the modern olympics began in 1896, organizers were looking for an event to recall the glory of ancient Greece. The winner of the first Olympic marathon was Spyridon Louis on April 10 1896.