The American team of 11, which featured only one national champion, was dominant, taking 9 of the 12 titles. No
world records were set, because few international top competitors had participated. In addition, the curves of the track were very tight, making fast times in the running events virtually impossible. A second event held for the first time in international competition was the marathon foot race. It was conceived by
Michel Bréal, a friend of
Pierre de Coubertin, based on the legend of
Pheidippides. This Athenian soldier first completed a two-day run to seek Spartan help against the invading Persians in the
Battle of Marathon, and then ran from the town of
Marathon to Athens days later to announce the victory, dying as a result of his heroic efforts. The race started in Marathon, and ran for 40 kilometres over dusty roads to Athens. The Greek public, disappointed as there had not yet been a Greek victor in athletics, was overjoyed when it was announced during the race that a Greek runner had taken the lead. When
Spiridon Louis, a water carrier from
Maroussi, arrived in the stadium he was accompanied by the Greek
Crown Prince on his final lap. Louis would never again compete in a race, but his victory made him a national hero. The exploits of Louis, Garrett, Connolly, and Flack would be chronicled in the 1984
NBC miniseries,
The First Olympics: Athens, 1896. The day after the official marathon
Stamata Revithi ran the 40-kilometer course in 5 hours 30 minutes, finishing outside
Panathinaiko Stadium. She was denied entry into the official competition since the 1896 Olympics
excluded women from competition. == Schedule ==