Marathon

Main thing

A marathon is a long-distance running event with a standardized distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). It is one of the most challenging and prestigious events in athletics, typically run as a road race. Marathons test the endurance, physical fitness, and mental fortitude of participants, who may be elite athletes or recreational runners. The event can be completed by running continuously or using a run/walk strategy, and there are also wheelchair divisions for para-athletes.

Terms

• Marathon: A long-distance foot race covering 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), usually run on roads but sometimes on trails.

• World Marathon Majors: A series of six prestigious marathons held annually in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo.

• Olympic marathon: The marathon event held as part of the Olympic Games, first introduced in 1896.

An analogy

A marathon is like preparing for and taking a major exam. Just as a student must study extensively, manage their time wisely, and maintain focus during a long and challenging test, a marathon runner must train rigorously, pace themselves, and stay mentally strong throughout the race. Both experiences require months of preparation, the ability to perform under pressure, and the resilience to overcome obstacles and fatigue to reach the desired outcome.

A main misconception

Many people believe that running a marathon is only for elite athletes or that it requires superhuman abilities. In reality, with proper training and preparation, individuals of various fitness levels can complete a marathon. The misconception often leads to self-doubt and prevents many from attempting this challenging but achievable goal. For example, a sedentary office worker might dismiss the idea of running a marathon, not realizing that with a structured training plan over several months, they could build the endurance necessary to complete the distance.

The history

1. 490 BCE: The legend of Pheidippides running from Marathon to Athens to announce victory in battle inspires the modern marathon.

2. 1896: The first modern Olympic Games in Athens includes a marathon of approximately 40 kilometers.

3. 1908: The marathon distance is standardized to 42.195 kilometers during the London Olympics.

4. 1921: The International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics) officially adopts the standard marathon distance.

5. 1970s-1980s: The "running boom" leads to increased popularity of marathons among recreational runners.

6. 1982: The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) is founded to promote marathons worldwide.

7. 2006: The World Marathon Majors series is established, featuring six major city marathons.

8. 2023: The current world records for marathon are set: 2:00:35 for men (Kelvin Kiptum) and 2:11:53 for women (Tigst Assefa).

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Personal challenge and fitness goal: Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing executive, decides to run a marathon to improve her overall health and prove to herself that she can accomplish a significant physical feat. She starts with a 16-week training plan, gradually increasing her weekly mileage and incorporating strength training. On race day, she successfully completes her first marathon in 4 hours and 30 minutes, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

2. Charity fundraising: Mark, a 45-year-old teacher, uses a local marathon as an opportunity to raise money for a children's hospital. He creates a fundraising page, shares his training journey on social media, and encourages friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor his run. By completing the marathon, Mark not only achieves a personal goal but also raises $5,000 for the hospital, making a positive impact on his community.

3. Team building and corporate wellness: A tech company implements a marathon training program as part of its employee wellness initiative. A group of 20 employees from various departments commit to training together for six months, meeting for group runs three times a week. The shared experience fosters camaraderie, improves communication between departments, and promotes a healthier work environment. On race day, the team members support each other to all cross the finish line, strengthening their bonds and creating a sense of collective achievement.

Interesting facts

• The fastest marathon ever run was 1:59:40 by Eliud Kipchoge in 2019, but it's not recognized as an official world record due to special pacing and hydration assistance.

• More than 800 marathons are held worldwide each year, with some events attracting tens of thousands of participants.

• The oldest annual marathon in Europe is the Košice Peace Marathon in Slovakia, held since 1924.

• There are extreme marathons held in unusual locations, such as the North Pole, Antarctica, and on the Great Wall of China.

• The word "marathon" comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce the defeat of the Persians.