please make me an image of an ancient Greek runner with ruins in the background.jpg
please make me an image of an ancient Greek runner with ruins in the background.jpg

Explore History: The World's Greatest Races

$50.00

What drives an athlete to run 26.2 miles, a musher and their team to brave 1,000 miles of unforgiving wilderness, or a pilot to navigate half the globe in a single race? The answer lies in the history of endurance, a story of grit, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of the impossible. This class goes beyond the headlines to reveal the true heart of these epic journeys. From the legendary origins of the marathon to the life-or-death challenges of the Iditarod and the pioneering spirit of early air races, we will explore the triumphs and tragedies that have defined these incredible feats.

Join us to uncover stories of the English Channel swimmers, the groundbreaking technology of historic air races, and the unwavering bond between a musher and their dogs. By examining these extreme events, you'll gain a new appreciation for the extraordinary limits of human and animal potential. Sign up today and start your journey into the captivating history of the world's most demanding races!

What drives an athlete to run 26.2 miles, a musher and their team to brave 1,000 miles of unforgiving wilderness, or a pilot to navigate half the globe in a single race? The answer lies in the history of endurance, a story of grit, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of the impossible. This class goes beyond the headlines to reveal the true heart of these epic journeys. From the legendary origins of the marathon to the life-or-death challenges of the Iditarod and the pioneering spirit of early air races, we will explore the triumphs and tragedies that have defined these incredible feats.

Join us to uncover stories of the English Channel swimmers, the groundbreaking technology of historic air races, and the unwavering bond between a musher and their dogs. By examining these extreme events, you'll gain a new appreciation for the extraordinary limits of human and animal potential. Sign up today and start your journey into the captivating history of the world's most demanding races!

Academic Fine-Print for Grownups:

This class explores the history, unique challenges, and cultural impact of some of the world's most demanding endurance races. We will examine what drives athletes—both human and animal—to push their limits in the face of extreme environments and incredible distances.

Learning Goals:

  • Analyze the historical context of foundational endurance events, such as the Marathon, and trace their evolution from singular acts to modern global phenomena.

  • Evaluate the unique physical, mental, and logistical challenges presented by extreme environments, including Arctic cold, open water, and early long-distance air travel.

  • Examine the significant technological and cultural contributions that these races—like the Iditarod and pioneering air races—had on human innovation and community.

  • Compare and contrast the different forms of endurance (human running, animal team cooperation, and technical skill) required to successfully complete extreme events across land, water, and air.

For your Curriculum Records, we will cover:

  • Historical Context

  • Critical Thinking

  • Classic Literature

  • Philosophy

  • Ethics

  • Creative Writing

Dates and Location:

Section A: Ages 8+ will meet Mondays from 2-3pm Eastern, and will run from Monday, November 17, 2025 through Monday, December 15, 2025. (No class on Monday, November 24.) All 4 classes will be held over Zoom.

Class Etiquette: I expect and require gentle, respectful language in my classes, and ask that all students come to class prepared to treat each other with kindness. These classes are a great opportunity for your kiddos to practice social/soft skills, with the underlying perspective that we’re all in this together.