As we approach the 15K National Championship Gate River Run and the spring marathon season, I think it's time to pay tribute to the original king of endurance running - Pheidippides.

Pheidippides was a runner like Elvis was a performer with stage presence. If he were alive today, this legendary Greek figure would thumb his nose at Death Valley's 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon, kick dirt in the face of the Hawaiian Ironman, and likely run the Gate River Run dragging a Hummer just to make it interesting. Heck, Pheidippides would taunt The Terminator and razz Rambo.

In simple terms, Pheidippides was a rugged dude.

As the legend goes, about 490 B.C., a couple of days before his well-documented 20-plus mile trek from Marathon to Athens, Greece, that is the basis for today's marathon; Pheidippides was asked (or likely ordered) to run from his hometown of Athens to Sparta to ask for military assistance. The powerful Persian Army was approaching the Greek shores, and the Athenian Army needed reinforcements.

Sorry, no horse, no power gel, no camelback water pack for the 147-mile round trip. But, ample amounts of mountains, wild animals and summer heat just to add extra drama to the journey.

"Oh yeah, Phil, you're running barefoot, and they expect you back in 48 hours," a drinking buddy reportedly said with a slight snicker. "And, you're running naked," chuckled another friend.

"I knew I should have been a discus thrower," Pheidippides likely thought to himself as he began stretching against an ancient ruin.

With the efficiency of Hercules and his 12 Labors, Pheidippides endured the near 150-mile tempo run in just under two days. Exhausted, he approached his hometown with visions of a cool drink, a plate of pasta and a La-Z-Boy. Instead, he was unceremoniously presented a sword, shield and military clothes.

The weary running hero had been drafted. So much for a cool down.

He marched 25 miles with the rest of the Athenian Army to Marathon where the Persians had landed. Though overmatched in numbers and weaponry, the Athenians prevailed in the bloody Battle of Marathon. Pheidippides was a war hero.

Now, finally, it was time to reflect, share a few stories, and maybe grab a slice of pizza.

Well, not so fast, our harrier friend.

The army commander needed another small favor. Pheidippides was informed that his work week was far from finished. He was commanded to brush himself off, throw his military togs to the side and sprint from Marathon back to Athens to deliver the grand news of the victory.

Pheidippides dug deep and found the energy to make it the near 25 miles to Athens, thus solidifying himself in history as the first official marathoner.

"Nike, nike," he screamed as he entered the city, which - seriously - is the Greek word for victory. One source said he then uttered through his parched lips, "I'd give my loin cloth for a swig of Gatorade," before dropping dead from exertion.

To recap the legend, in a three-day period, Pheidippides had run 175 miles through the pre-B.C. wilderness, marched 25 miles and fought a war before succumbing to fatal exhaustion. So, when you're feeling wilted, parched and unglued during your next endurance run, think of Pheidippides and his three-day plight. It will help you gain strength and continue.

But, please, keep your clothes on.

EPILOGUE

Historians agree that Pheidippides' Marathon-to-Athens route was 24.85 miles, which was re-created in the running of the first modern marathon at the Greek-hosted Olympic Games in 1896. Twelve years later at the Olympics in London, the race was lengthened by an extra mile and 385 yards so it could start at Windsor Castle and end in front of the Royal Box at Olympic Stadium. That distance of 26.2 miles is now the fixed official marathon distance.

BILL PENNINGTON lives on Amelia Island. He is a former sports writer for the Savannah News-Press and a contributing writer for the Fernandina Beach News-Leader. He was voted 2008 National Club Writer of the Year by the Road Runner's Club of America.