Marathon

Origin and rules

The marathon commemorates the legendary run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC. The modern distance of 42.195 kilometres was standardised at the 1908 London Olympics. Runners cover the course in a single mass-start race.

How it plays

Elite marathons feature mass starts, water stations every five kilometres, and timing chips for thousands of competitors. Pacing, hydration, and managing the body’s glycogen stores are critical. Most elite races are completed in just over two hours.

Competition

The Abbott World Marathon Majors comprise Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. The Olympic Games and the World Athletics Championships are the top championship marathons. Kenyan and Ethiopian runners have dominated for decades.