Marathon

A Marathon is a long-distance running event covering a standard distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles and 385 yards). It is one of the most iconic and enduring athletic competitions in the world, combining endurance, discipline, and human perseverance. Originating from an ancient Greek legend, the marathon today symbolises both athletic excellence and personal achievement, attracting millions of participants globally each year.

Historical Origins

The origin of the marathon lies in ancient Greece, linked to the legendary run of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier and messenger. According to classical tradition, after the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, Pheidippides ran from the battlefield near Marathon to Athens, a distance of about 40 kilometres, to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. Upon delivering the message, he is said to have collapsed and died from exhaustion.
Although historians debate the accuracy of this legend, it inspired the creation of the modern marathon race in the 19th century. The event was first introduced in the 1896 Athens Olympic Games, the inaugural modern Olympics, with a course approximating the ancient route from Marathon to Athens. The Greek runner Spyridon Louis won that race, becoming a national hero.

Development of the Modern Marathon

Initially, the marathon distance varied from race to race. The now-standard distance of 42.195 kilometres was established during the 1908 London Olympic Games, when the course was lengthened so that the race could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the Royal Box in the Olympic Stadium. The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), now World Athletics, formally adopted this distance in 1921.
Since then, the marathon has evolved from an elite athletic competition to a mass participation event celebrated worldwide. Cities such as Boston, London, Berlin, New York, and Tokyo host internationally recognised marathons that attract professional athletes and amateur runners alike.

Structure and Rules

Marathons are road races conducted on measured courses under specific regulations governed by World Athletics.

• Distance: 42.195 kilometres (26 miles 385 yards).
• Start and Finish: Usually marked by electronic timing mats; results are recorded using microchip technology attached to each runner.
• Aid Stations: Provided along the course with water, energy drinks, and medical support.
• Timing: Most marathons have official cut-off times, often ranging from 6 to 8 hours, to ensure safety and event logistics.
• Categories: Include professional divisions (men’s and women’s), wheelchair races, and open participation for amateurs.

Training and Preparation

Marathon running requires a combination of aerobic endurance, muscular stamina, and mental resilience. Training programmes typically last 12 to 20 weeks and focus on:

• Long Runs: Gradual mileage increases to build endurance.
• Tempo Runs and Intervals: Improve aerobic efficiency and speed.
• Recovery and Nutrition: Rest days, hydration, and balanced diets are crucial to prevent overtraining and injury.
• Mental Preparation: Visualisation, pacing strategies, and motivation are key components of marathon success.

Experienced runners often participate in shorter races such as half marathons (21.0975 km) or 10K runs before attempting a full marathon.

Major International Marathons

The world’s most famous marathons are often part of the World Marathon Majors, a series founded in 2006 that includes:

1. Boston Marathon – the oldest annual marathon, first held in 1897.
2. London Marathon – known for its scenic route along the River Thames and strong charity focus.
3. Berlin Marathon – renowned for producing world record performances due to its flat course.
4. Chicago Marathon – one of the largest by participation.
5. New York City Marathon – the world’s largest marathon, crossing five boroughs.
6. Tokyo Marathon – added in 2013, symbolising Asia’s growing prominence in long-distance running.

These events draw elite runners from across the globe and feature large fields of amateur participants, often raising millions in charitable contributions.

Records and Notable Performances

• The men’s world record is held by Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya, who completed the Chicago Marathon in 2023 with a time of 2:00:35.
• The women’s world record is held by Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, who ran 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
• Eliud Kipchoge, also from Kenya, famously ran a marathon distance in 1:59:40 during a special non-competitive event in 2019, proving that sub-two-hour performance is humanly possible, though it did not qualify as an official record.

Marathon Culture and Symbolism

The marathon has transcended athletics to become a powerful metaphor for perseverance, personal triumph, and resilience. Completing a marathon is considered one of the most demanding physical and mental achievements in sport.
The event also promotes community spirit and global solidarity, with millions participating for health, charity, and personal growth. Marathons often serve as fundraising platforms, raising significant sums for medical research, disaster relief, and humanitarian causes.

Health and Safety Considerations

While marathon running offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and endurance, it requires careful preparation. Common health concerns include dehydration, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, and overuse injuries. Medical support and hydration stations are mandatory in organised marathons to ensure participant safety.
Experts recommend:

• Regular medical check-ups before long-distance training,
• Gradual mileage increases, and
• Proper footwear and nutrition strategies.

Marathon in the Olympic Games

The marathon remains one of the most celebrated events in the Summer Olympic Games, symbolising the endurance and unity of athletic spirit. Since its debut in 1896, the marathon has concluded nearly every Olympic athletics programme.

• The first women’s Olympic marathon took place in 1984 in Los Angeles, marking a milestone in gender equality in sport.
• Olympic marathons often feature courses that highlight host cities, blending athletic excellence with cultural symbolism.