The men's marathon event was a special race invented as part of the Athletics at the 1896 Summer Olympics programme.

Michel Bréal originated the idea of a race from the city of Marathon to Athens, taking inspiration from the legend of Pheidippides.

At 32 kilometres, Lermusiaux dropped out as well, leaving Flack in the lead as Spyridon Louis was making full use of his endurance to reach the front.

Vasilakos finished second, followed by Spyridon Belokas, who held off a fast-finishing Gyula Kellner to seemingly complete a Greek top-three sweep.

[6] The following record was established during the competition: The runners traveled to the town of Marathon on Thursday night.