Word of the Day: Marathon

mar·a·thon /ˈmerəˌTHän/, noun: a long-distance (26 miles and 385 yards/42.195 km) running race “If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” Emil Zatopek, 1922 – 2000 (winner of three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics) Fun Fact: The idea for the modern marathon was inspired by the legend of Pheidippides, an ancient Greek messenger who raced from the site of Marathon to Athens, a distance of about 40 kilometers, or nearly 25 miles, to announce the defeat of the Persians in 490 BCE. “We all have dreams, in order to make those dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.” Jesse Owens, 1913 – 1980 (four-time track and field Olympic gold medalist) “Running is a road of self-awareness and reliance – you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin beneath your feet.” Doris Brown heritage, 1942 – (first women to run a sub-five minute indoor mile) pictured: Maui Preparatory third grade class with Lahaina Sunset Rotary Volunteers.