Marathon running refers to the athletic event that features runners who set out to complete a long distance run by covering 42.195 kilometers or 26 miles and 385 yards. Men and women are encouraged to compete in various marathon competitions around the world. Some compete in marathons for athletic excellence, while some participate in marathons because it is a chance to have a fun way to exercise. Marathons are as much athletic meets as they are a socializing event.

Marathons are the exact opposite of sprints. In marathons, runners try to pace themselves by not running at full strength and speed at the beginning, knowing that there is lots of ground to cover and that there is a need to distribute strength throughout the duration of the race. Sprints are short distance running in which runners race at full speed from the start.

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How did the idea of a marathon come to be? Historians believe that it originated from an act of one soldier who ran nonstop from the town of Marathon to Athens just to announce the defeat of the Persians in the Battle of Marathon. The soldier died after making the announcement. Modern day marathons are not designed to kill the athlete, however, but the concept of undergoing a grueling, tedious physical test similar to what the soldier endured has become one of the many platforms from which a competitive, athletic idea was born from.

Today, modern marathons are not overly grueling, considering that athletes have the entire year to prepare for annual competitions. Most athletes also participate in other events that help them improve their level of physical fitness in time for the marathon. Other athletes who are fielded in marathon competitions do not find it overly difficult, especially those who are used to running long distances every day, especially those who live in the mountains and work or study in towns that are very far down in the lowlands.

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