Sir, The sad failure of Paula Radcliffe (reports, August 23) in the heat of Athens emphasises the incredible feats of Pheidippides and the Athenian army in 490 BC. Pheidippides ran about 150 miles in 48 hours in the heat of August, or at latest early September. His run was not, as some seem to think, from Marathon to Athens, but from Athens to Sparta to seek help against invading Persians.
The run from Marathon to Athens was the forced march of 24 or more miles made by the Athenian hoplite army with their swords and shields immediately after their early-morning battle. This must have all been in the daytime heat as they successfully reached the shore outside Athens on the same day in time to greet the Persian fleet as it rounded Cape Sunium. That fleet carried cavalry and a still large army. At the sight of the Athenian army on the shore the Persians gave up the thought of any attack.
That march was therefore the real victory of Marathon and is what should be remembered every time the modern “marathon” is run.
Yours faithfully,
MALCOLM J. F. PALMER,
43 Woodsford Square, W14 8DP.
August 23.
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From Ms Maureen Jennings
Sir, My husband and I watched the Olympic women’s marathon with great expectations and high hopes for Paula Radcliffe.
It became apparent half way through the race that the conditions were exceptionally difficult due to the heat. We were relieved that Paula dropped out when she did, because it was not her day. If she had tried to finish, she could have caused herself serious long-term health problems. Other runners have made this mistake and effectively ended their careers.
Yours faithfully,
MAUREEN JENNINGS,
101 Barton Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario M6G 1P8.
August 23.