Athletics - one of the oldest sports. So, even for many centuries BC, some of the peoples of Asia and Africa, organized athletics competitions. But the real heyday of the sport came in ancient Greece. The fight, fist fight, and in general all the exercises that develop SIPU, the Greeks attributed to weightlifting. It is clear that the name "athletics" conditional enough today, it is difficult to call, for example, running on ultra-long distances - marathon or hammer throw "light" exercise. The oldest contest of athletes, of course, is running.
The first Olympic Games of antiquity, which has remained a reliable record, took place in 776 BC Then, in the program of events included a cross-Stage 1 (192 m 27 cm). In 724 BC I held already running at stage 2, and after four years, the first Olympic race for a long distance - 24 stage. Winning the game was valued very highly. Champions have a greater honors, was elected to honorary positions, in their honor were erected monuments.