Marathon - Modern Day Ritual

We often think of rituals as esoteric acts of clandestine groups done in the woods around Halloween. However, a ritual is merely a ceremonious act that is passed on through generations. These acts create connectivity between people within a certain culture. Whether done in private or amongst a large group one feels a sense of union with a greater community. Rituals are often symbolic and can be very simple or complex. In the case of the Marathon, it is a grueling race that tests one physically, mentally and spiritually.
　
The first ever Marathon was not a symbolic gesture at all. The dawn of western civilization was tumultous. As a new civilization began to spread throughout Europe, Eurasia and northern Africa it came in direct contact with other people and their beliefs. Many wars were fought and people and cultures were spread across the globe by force. The first Marathon was ran by Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens to spread the news that the Greeks had triumphed over the Persians. When he reached his destination he dropped dead leaving the parting message "we are victorious." Some also name Pheidippides as the messenger who ran from Athens to Sparta to plead King Leonidas and his fabled army for help (for all you 300 fans out there).

Today, Marathons are very big affairs. Thousands of men and women of all different ages and backgrounds will take part in a single race. Everyone knows at least one person who has run a Marathon. This is no small feat, we are talking about a 26.2 mile race! That being said, 500,000 people will complete a marathon this year alone.Even though there are 50, 100 and even 150 mile races the Marathon still inspires a certain awe and respect among us.

I believe the Marathon serves as a modern day ritual for us. Whether we participate in one or simply act as spectators and supporters, there is a sense of being firmly connected to what keeps our civilization and the human race moving forward. Thousands participate, hundreds volunteer and countless turn their attention to these events in order to be reminded that we can and will endure as a people. It is amazing that the people of West Africa dominate this sport. West Africa is considered by many the "cradle of civilization"; the place where homo sapiens may have first walked the Earth. The Marathon has evolved into a ritual that symbolizes the endurance of all human beings and not just Western Civilization. Today thousands of people cross the finish line at these races...not just eccentric athletes.

The New York City Marathon will take place this weekend and a wave of people from all corners of the globe will wind through the burroughs of arguably the most culturally diverse city in the world. New York now stands as Athens once did, a city at the center of an Empire. This Empire has known art, intellectual achievement and modern innovation as well as greed, corruption and terrorism. What is so great about rituals like these is that theyt spread an energy out into the world that says "we are victorious" as Pheidippides did when he arrived in Athens. Our great cities will fall and our Empires will be replaced but these rituals will remain. They will survive to remind us that collectively we can accomplish anything.

Stay Positive,

Matthew