There is some question about the story of Pheidippides being true. It is generally referred to as "a legend." The distance of a marathon has been changed a few times - it went from 25 miles to 26 miles because it fit desirable starting and end points.
If you have not seen "The Woman Who Wasn't There," the documentary about "Alicia Head," I heartily recommend that you check it out. I believe it's available on Netflix.
There is some question about the story of Pheidippides being true. It is generally referred to as "a legend." The distance of a marathon has been changed a few times - it went from 25 miles to 26 miles because it fit desirable starting and end points.