Pheidippides

American  

[fahy-dip-i-deez] / faɪˈdɪp ɪˌdiz /

Or Phidippides

noun

1. the Athenian runner who secured aid from Sparta in the struggle between the Athenians and the Persians 490 b.c.

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Pheidippides British  

/ faɪˈdɪpɪˌdiːz /

noun

1. 5th century _bc . Athenian athlete, who ran to Sparta to seek help against the Persians before the Battle of Marathon (490 _bc )

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Example Sentences

The marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers corresponds to the legend of how far the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides traveled between Marathon and Athens to announce victory over the Persians in 490 B.C.

From Scientific American • Sep. 21, 2020

“Great for our sport, isn’t it? Think of the two most famous marathoners — Pheidippides and Rosie Ruiz,” said Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers in an interview with the Globe.

From Washington Post • Aug. 7, 2019

Thanks to that old yarn about Pheidippides, the specter of sudden and noble death at the finish line thrilled Victorian-era sport fans.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2017

There is also the story of the first marathon itself, run by Pheidippides, who, after completing the 26.2 miles, collapsed and died.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 15, 2014

Another collection followed in 1879, the first series of Dramatic Idylls, which contain such masterpieces as "Pheidippides" and "Ivàn Ivànovitch."

From Robert Browning by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)