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- The Herd | Edition 1
The Herd | Edition 1
Our first edition! Read about Leonidas of Rhodes, results from Walt Disney World Marathon, and take this week's running quiz.
The Herd | Edition No. 1
Saturday! It's here. And with it, our very first edition of the weekly Saturday Newsletter (Bravo! Bravo!). Each week you can expect to find a quick historical running blurb or inspiring running story from more recent times. You'll also find a "cereal box" quiz, question of the day to ask all your runner friends, and a brief look at some notable running events and news. What's more, is it's completely free! So read on, share with a friend, and Go.Out.And.Trot! ... we know... we know... but go out and run doesn't spell GOAT.
Leonidas of Rhodes
Usain Bolt. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Allyson Felix. Mo Farah. GOATs, undeniably. Yet, none of them achieved the greatness of Leonidas of Rhodes. The year is 164 BC and Leonidas is 24 years old. Leonidas has travelled from his home island of Rhodes across the Mediterrean to compete in the 154th Olympiad. He dominated every running event and joined an elite club of athletes that win each of the three events - 200m, 400m, and the armored hoplitodromos race. These athletes are called triastes (tripler), and there are only seven known members.
However, being a one-time triastes would not cut it for Leonidas. He won each of the running events in 160, 156, and 152 BC totaling 12 individual victory wreaths and becoming a 4 time triastes. Such achievement was unthinkable to many Greek athletes and coaches as the longer hoplitodromos race was one of strength and endurance, much more difficult for an athlete that excelled in the sprint races of 200m and 400m. Leonidas's prowess and fame spread, solidifying his GOAT status in the ancient world.
Running News and Results
Walt Disney World Marathon January 12, 2025
Men's Winner: Vanilson Neves, 2:27:17, Brazil.
Women's Winner: Marielle Despres, 3:02:09, U.S.A.
Fun Fact: Brazil has dominated the men's race, winning 8 times in the last 10 years.
Dubai Marathon January 12, 2025
Men's Winner: Bute Gemechu, 2:04:51, Ethiopia.
Women's Winner: Bedatu Hirpa, 2:18:27, Ethiopia.
Fun Fact: Ethiopia secured the first 14 places in the men's race and the first 16 places in the women's race.
Cereal Box Quiz
1. Who is the most decorated U.S. Track and Field Olympian?
A. Noah Lyles
B. Allyson Felix
C. Michael Johnson
D. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
2. How fast can a goat run?
A. 15 mph
B. 18 mph
C. 25 mph
D. 12 mph
3. What is the largest recorded running event?
A. 2024 New York City Marathon
B. 1996 Boston Marathon
C. 2018 Amway River Bank Run
D. 1986 Bay to Breakers
Answers
1. B. Allyson Felix has won 11 individual medals, 7 of which are gold.
2. A. A goat's top speed is 15pmh.
3. D. The 1986 Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco recorded 110,000 participants.