Early festivals in villages included athletic events like running races. Over time, some church authorities discouraged excessive celebrations at festivals. Isolated rural areas were more likely to continue traditional festivals. The expansion of public schools in the 1840s led to more organized cross country running and steeplechasing. From the 1850s onwards, most cities had running tracks and athletic meetings drew large crowds. The Amateur Athletic Club and Amateur Athletic Association were formed to govern amateur athletics. The modern Olympics began in 1889 with Baron de Coubertin aiming to promote athleticism and patriotism through international competition.