PETER ECONOMIDES SAYS THE ATHENS MARATHON IS THE ORIGINAL MARATHON
“He’s like we need to drop the Athens marathon. That’s the original, it’s the marathon marathon.”
PETER ECONOMIDES IS GREECE’S BRANDING STRATEGIST
ATHENS MARATHON IS THE ORIGINAL MARATHON 🏃♂️🏛
So there's a Greek, Peter Economides @peter_economides, South African, lives in Greece. He's the branding guru of Greece and he went viral over a decade ago talking about how just Greece needs to rebrand itself and in one of his presentations, shout out to Peter Economides he was talking about you have the Boston marathon, the New York marathon, the London marathon, and they call it the Athens marathon. He's like we need to drop the Athens marathon. That's the original, it's the marathon marathon, right? I can agree with Peter it has to be called the original. Now we have it branded as Athens Marathon the authentic, so we're trying to basically prove something that has been proven 2,500 years ago.
Peter Economides was talking about how you have the Boston marathon, the New York marathon, the London marathon, and they call it the Athens marathon. He's like we need to drop the Athens marathon. That's the original, it's the marathon marathon.
What is the history of the athens marathon?
The Athens Marathon, often referred to as the Authentic Marathon, traces its origins back to ancient Greece and the legendary run of the Athenian soldier Pheidippides in 490 BCE. According to historical accounts, Pheidippides was sent from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens, a distance of approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers), to deliver news of the Greek victory over the invading Persians. After delivering the message, he collapsed and died from exhaustion.
The modern revival of the Athens Marathon began in 1896, during the inaugural modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece. Inspired by the ancient legend, the organizers of the Games included a marathon race as part of the event program. The race followed a route similar to that of Pheidippides, starting in the town of Marathon and finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
The first modern Olympic Marathon was won by Greek runner Spyridon Louis, who became a national hero for his victory. The success of the event sparked interest in marathon running worldwide, leading to the establishment of marathons as a staple of athletic competitions and road racing events.
Since its revival in 1896, the Athens Marathon has grown in popularity and significance, attracting thousands of runners from around the world to participate each year. The course has evolved over time but still includes a significant portion of the original route from Marathon to Athens. Today, the Athens Marathon is recognized as one of the most prestigious and historic marathons in the world, drawing runners of all levels to experience its rich history and challenging course.
Who is peter economides and why is he known?
Peter Economides is a renowned marketing strategist and brand consultant, known for his influential work in the field of branding and advertising. He has built a distinguished career spanning several decades, during which he has worked with some of the world's most iconic brands and companies.
Economides gained prominence for his role as Global Director of Client Services at global advertising agency McCann Erickson in the 1980s and 1990s. He played a key role in the development and execution of high-profile advertising campaigns for brands such as Coca-Cola, L'Oréal, Nestlé, and Microsoft, among others.
One of Economides' most notable achievements was his involvement in the rebranding of Greece for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. He spearheaded the "Greece 2004" campaign, which aimed to redefine Greece's image on the global stage and promote the country as a modern and dynamic destination.
In addition to his work in advertising and branding, Economides is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the marketing industry. He frequently shares his insights and expertise on topics such as brand strategy, storytelling, and the power of purpose-driven marketing.
Overall, Peter Economides is known for his innovative approach to branding, his ability to create compelling narratives for brands, and his passion for helping organizations unlock their full potential through strategic marketing initiatives.
Why os the athens marathon the most relevant marathon in the world?
The Athens Marathon holds significant historical and cultural significance, which contributes to its reputation as one of the most relevant marathons in the world. Here are some reasons why the Athens Marathon is considered highly relevant:
Historical Roots: The Athens Marathon traces its origins back to ancient Greece and the legendary run of Pheidippides, who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of the Greek victory over the Persians. This historical event is celebrated as the inspiration for the modern marathon race.
Birthplace of the Marathon: The Athens Marathon is widely recognized as the birthplace of the marathon race. It was included in the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896, and since then, the marathon has become an integral part of athletic competitions worldwide.
Authentic Course: The Athens Marathon follows a course that closely mirrors the route taken by Pheidippides over 2,500 years ago. Runners start in the town of Marathon and finish at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, providing a unique and authentic racing experience.
Cultural Significance: The Athens Marathon is deeply intertwined with Greek history, culture, and mythology. It symbolizes the spirit of endurance, heroism, and unity that are inherent in Greek heritage.
Global Participation: The Athens Marathon attracts runners from all over the world who seek to experience its rich history and challenging course. It has become a bucket-list event for many marathon enthusiasts and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and camaraderie among participants.
Prestige and Tradition: The Athens Marathon is steeped in tradition and prestige, with a legacy that spans centuries. Winning or completing the Athens Marathon is considered a prestigious accomplishment and holds special significance for runners.
Overall, the Athens Marathon's historical significance, authentic course, cultural resonance, global participation, and tradition make it one of the most relevant and iconic marathons in the world. It continues to inspire and captivate runners of all levels, perpetuating its legacy as a symbol of human endurance and achievement.
