Where the final few meters seem to take forever. Dusseldorf marathon, April 29, 2018

Next Sunday marks the date again: Thousands of ambitious runners and many more enthusiastic spectators set off in Düsseldorf to “crack” exactly 42.195 km.

Attention, please: history lesson!

What is this famous race named after, and why this crooked length? It all originally happened around 490 BC, and about 500 years later it became a legend, because two great ancient Greek writers, Plutarch and Lucian, decided to turn it into a story. What had happened? The Greek messenger Pheidippides ran in just two days from Athens to Sparta, to seek helps in the war of his people against the Persians. This is what happened. By adding some literary „spice“, the Greek authors made this quite spectacular story even bigger. They turned it into an epic legend of victory and death. According to their story, a messenger ran from the battle field to Athens after the victory of the Athenians in the Battle of Marathon, and soon as he could deliver his message „νενικήκαμεν” (transcribed: nenikekamen), “We have triumphed“, he collapsed to death. The actual historic route was a little shorter with almost 40 kilometers. It was not until the 1908 Summer Olympic Games in London, that the British people calculated the distance according to a survey protocol with exactly 26 miles 385 yards, which corresponded to 42.195 km. Because this was exactly the distance from the Olympic Stadium to the royal audience box at Windsor Castle. And that was the decisive distance that at last defined the standard length of of today’s race.
The Dusseldorf marathon race is less about grand history and dark drama, but it is about being part of it, and of course, beating the track – and oneself!, it is about having fun, feeling thankful and proud afterwards, and, yes, putting up one’s feet and relax with something nice to drink. The race is open for Individual runners as well as entire groups or company teams.

argentus base camp in Meerbusch

We are looking forward to our argentus GmbH marathon guests, who start as a company with a strong set of runners. And what at first glance looks like a “normal marathon“ for a company team has a lot more sporty depth. As it is a very special competition! Because the „Dusseldorf office” and Rhineland local hero, matches against the challenging Taunus team, the “Frankfurt office”. Needless to say, all the athletes get maximum support. It is common knowledge, that it is not the equipment, but the mental power, that decides the race. Friends and family provide the necessary mental motivation, they support the athletes’ enthusiasm and strong willpower, which certainly is decisive, especially on these very wicked last few meters. Thus, the right enviroment is set up. However, as a hotel team we feel responsible as well, even if we do not run ourselves. We definitely feel called being kind of a co-co-coach, responsible for a feel-good atmosphere, cold drinks and a delicious breakfast with the necessary amount of energy, not only for the athletes, but of course, for their support team as well

Please cheer the athletes!

Of course, the Duesseldorf metro marathon is not “just” a major sports event, but has a lot of entertainment to offer, with bands and DJs along the track. They provide the appropriate rhythm for audience and runners.So even if you do not take part in the race, be part of the game, and just go with the start (or wait at the finish line!) at Duesseldorf Metro Marathon. Ready – steady – go!