THE GREAT RUNNER

Atalanta is a lovely princess and a great runner.

One day, her father told her, “It’s time you get married.”

“I will marry a man who will beat me in a race,” replied Atalanta.

Many young men tried their luck. But they all lost. Hippomenes asked the goddess of love for help.

“Here are three golden apples,” she said. “During the race, throw one apple in front of Atalanta. She will stop to pick it up. That should slow her down.”

Hippomenes heeded her advice and won the race. Thus, Atalanta became his wife.