In the first modern Olympiads, for example, the length of the marathon was inconsistent.

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Many I spoke to in the last week regard attacks like the one at the Boston Marathon as a disgusting, horrific part of modern life.

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When the Ancient Games were revived as the Modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896, local hero Spiridon Louis won the marathon -- as he should have -- to bring his country international recognition and fame.

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