1960 Olympic Marathon: Bikila Runs Barefoot
Throughout the race, Bikila ran ahead of the pack with Moroccan Rhadi Ben Abdesselem, who was expected to win the marathon. With about one mile to go, Bikila and Abdesselem passed the Ethiopian obelisk of Axum, taken by Roman troops in the 1930s. In a somewhat symbolic gesture, Bikila made his move as he passed the symbol of his home country, winning the 26.2-mile race by more than 500 yards and breaking the Olympic record by almost eight minutes.
In 1964, Bikila again was a member of the Ethiopian Olympic team, although he was not expected to compete. Just 40 days before the start of the marathon at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Bikila was forced to undergo emergency surgery to remove his appendix.
Nevertheless, Bikila did compete — and wear shoes — in the event, becoming the first athlete to win the marathon twice at the Olympic Games. Not only did Bikila win the event, but he also broke the world record again, this time by more than four minutes.
Therefore, anything is possible.
I wonder why people feel running 30 kms is a big deal. Any fit person can do it and should do it. The only problem is that given today's mad rush, one has to find time!