Running
Running is the oldest contest that took place in Olympia. It was the only event that existed at the sanctuary until the 13th Olympiad (728BC) when the games lasted only one day. The athletes were running nude, where the area was determined at 600 feet (192.27m) that is one Stade. That distance gave its name to the area used for the performance of the event. The stadiums were situated in small valleys or on hillsides, thus enabling the spectators to follow the events. As the crowd of the spectators was growing artificial slopes were built and the spectators sat on the ground.
The stadium at Olympia had a capacity of 45,000 spectators. Apart from the men also priestess of Demeter Chamyne were allowed to watch the games. The start and the duration of the stadium race were specified by clear rules and in any case any athletes were broke them there were penalties for them. The rules for all the events were stated clear and there were bodies like the Alytai , who kept the order in all the areas of performance and the judges and those were in charge of the games the Hellondikai , who at first were life members but then appointed by lot from the Elean citizens.
Also in Olympia were the Heraia, athlletic games for women in which young girls from Elis were participated. These games were held every four years independently of the Olympic games. The women were dressed in short tunics and having their hair loose..
ORIGIN
This sport is so ancient that it is impossible to clarify its origin or to state the place that it come from. Because of the strong connection between the ancient Greek mythology and the sport of running, everyone can admit that this sport was of major importance. Because of the importance of that sport it was established as a permanent feature in children's education and the children from their early age where learning the techniques and philosophies of the sport of running.
equipment
At first place runners were wearing a loin cloth around their waist. This was later declined, and runners were running completed naked. The only exception was the race in armor , in which runners carried a shield, a helmet and shin plates.
Another equipment that was used for the running race was the hysplex , a device that was used to ensure that all the runners started at the same time.
Rules of the Game
There were the following kinds of foot-race:
1. the stade (a length of one stade or 200m race)
2. the diaulos (a length of two stades, 400m race)
3. the dolichos, or the long race (ranged between 7-24 stades, or
characteristics of a Good Runner
Athletes were said to have an amazing stamina and speed. The stature of successful runners varied, most important was the possession of great strength , speed and stamina.
