Michael Zulli - Run

Since running is an important physical, mental, and spiritual practice for me, I commissioned Michael to create an artwork of Pheidippides, the first marathon runner.



Pheidippides was an Athenian hoplite tasked with running to Sparta to ask for military aid in their battle against the Persians at Marathon, but the Spartans were unwilling to send troops until the full moon due to religious reasons. During the run, he encountered the god Pan who promised to aid Athens if they would reverse their neglect of the nature god.



When the Athenians defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon, Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce, "Rejoice, we conquer!" and legend has it he passed away from exhaustion upon delivering the message. This account from Greek historian Herodotus was the inspiration for the modern day marathon foot race.