Running Events

Stadion, Diaulos, Dolichos

The stadion was the first of the running events added in 776 B.C. It was the featured, and

most prestigous event of the olympic games and, therefore, was held at the end of the program. The race was held at the altis, beginning at the balbis, or starting line. The runners would sprint one length, or stade, and finish at the Altar of Zeus. The distance covered was approximately 600 ancient feet, or 200 meters.

Following the stadion, the addition of two longer distance races, the diaulos and dolichos

were added in 724 B.C. and 720 B.C., respectively. The diaulos was twice the length of the stadion, or two stade, in which 22 competitors ran in two lanes, side by side. The name diaulos actually means "Two barraled flute," representing the two lanes. The dolichos covered 20 lengths, in which the runners ran single file. It was the first event in the Olympic Program, being relatively boring and relaxing to spectators. (Swaddling, 44)

Winners of Running Events

The winners of the footraces at Olympia were held in very high reguards. The victor in the

stadion race, being the most prestigious event, had the honor of naming the festival games that year. As outlined by David Young in The Olympic Myth of Greek Amateur Athletics. For centuries the winners of the stadion represented the city of Croton, Italy. (Young, 134) The most successful athlete was Astylos, who won the stade and diaulos in 488 and 484 B.C. and in 480 the stade, diaulos and hoplitodromos. (Young, 141,142) Polites of Caria was victiorious in all 3 running events in 69 A.D. (Young, 178) Dandis of Argon was a successful long-distance runner, winning 15 times in Nemean Games. (Young, 144)

Successful athletes such as these were required to train and condition much in the same way modern

athletes do. Young describes the dedication to their careers as a "serious, all-engrossing business." They were coached in training and diet, and made their sport their life. (Young, 145)

The above image shows two young athletes competing in a footrace
and two men observing. (Perseus)

Hoplitodromos

The hoplitodromos, or race in armor, was added to the program in 520 B.C. Twenty-five competitors ran two

lengths wearing a helmet and greaves, and carrying a shield. This race may have been derived for military training purposes.

This image shows three