Legend of Pheidipiddes & Marathon Run - Level 25-26

Legend of Pheidippides & The Marathon Run connects ancient history with modern endurance sport. In the fictional recount Legend of Pheidippides, readers learn of the fabled run from Marathon to Athens following a victorious battle, showcasing the features of legend and narrative structure. Complementing this is The Marathon Run, which outlines the modern marathon's evolution and includes instructions for organising a fun run. This non-fiction title incorporates procedural text, maps, tables, and fact boxes, allowing students to synthesise historical inspiration with real-world application. Together, these texts offer a rich exploration of resilience, physical achievement, and how the past continues to influence the present.

Educational Benefits:

• Introduces narrative features of legend alongside real historical contexts
• Develops understanding of procedural writing and report structures
• Builds skills in summarising and synthesising information across text types
• Encourages analysis of how historical stories influence modern practices

Classroom Ideas:

• Re-enact the run of Pheidippides through a dramatic retelling or storyboard
• Organise a classroom œmini marathon with procedural planning
• Compare ancient and modern sporting events using a Venn diagram
• Explore Greek geography and create a labelled map of Pheidippides' journey

Safety & Information:

• Recommended for ages 8+
• Book size: 200mm x 210mm
• Safe materials used in binding and printing
• Ideal for history, physical education, and literacy connections