Which athlete won the first Olympic men's marathon?

Spyridon Louis won the first Olympic men’s marathon at Athens 1896.

The Greek athlete finished the inaugural Olympic marathon in 2 hours, 58 minutes and 50 seconds. His victory made him a national hero, and he was celebrated by crowds when he returned to his home village of Marousi.

The race was inspired by the ancient Greek messenger tradition associated with the Battle of Marathon. It was not yet run over today’s standardized distance; the 1896 course covered roughly 40 kilometres from Marathon to Athens.

The official marathon distance later became 42.195 kilometres. That standard was established after the 1908 London Olympics, when the course was arranged from Windsor Castle to the finish in the Olympic stadium.