This event was originally known as the Carlos Lopes Marathon. Lopes is a national hero and olympic legend. He was the first runner to ever complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 8 minutes. He participated in the Olympics in Munich (1972), Montreal (1976) and Los Angeles (1984), winning 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal. In the World Cross Country Championships, he won 3 Gold Medals (1976, 1984, 1985) and 2 Silver Medals (1977, 1983). He was most noted for his ability to overcome adversity and drive his was through to spectacular finishes. For more on Lopes, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Lopes.
For many centuries, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, was regarded as one of the most magnificent cities in Europe. With its long history, Moorish influences, stunning location and vast riches from India and Brazil, it was a trading hub for hundreds of years. But a devastating earthquake in 1755, followed by fire and a tidal wave, reduced it to ruins and obscurity. more...
