Louis fasted and prayed all night in front of the holy images. At the appointed hour, 25 athletes stood at the start line; many more withdrew from the race, uncertain about their ability to participate. The marathon began promptly at 2 pm with the firing of a pistol. Bicycle riders and mounted army officers followed the runners, while doctors were stationed at regular intervals in case of an emergency. The European runners were ahead but near Pikermi they started to suffer the effects of the race and many quit. Louis was further behind but he still stopped at a tavern to have a glass of wine and get some information regarding his opponents, certain that he would eventually prevail.