How many miles are in a marathon?

A marathon distance of 26.2 miles or 42 kilometres is considered a marathon. Although marathons vary in geography and degree of difficulty, the distance covered by a marathon has remained consistent since 1908. A full marathon is always 26.2 kilometers in length. The 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles), and ultra-marathon are all distance races (anything over 26.2 miles) olympic stadium.

In order to complement the first Olympic Games in 1896 as well as Greek legend, the first Boston Marathon was only 24.8 miles.

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Before attempting a marathon, it is recommended that you run for at least six months and at least three times per week. If this is your first race, you should start with a shorter distance, such as a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. After completing a shorter racecourse, you'll be better equipped to assess whether you're upfor the challenge of running or walking 26.2 miles.

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The race would then finish in front of the royal box at the Olympic stadium and come out to a total distance of 26.2 miles.

The protest was upheld, and Hayes was awarded the gold medal after Pietri was disqualified.

History of the 26-Mile Marathon

According to tradition, Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, sprinted 25 miles from Marathon to Athens in 490 B.C. to give a word of the Athenians' triumph over the Persians.

1 He arrived to proclaim "Nikomen," which translates as "We triumph." The term is derived from the goddess Nike's given name (Victory). Today, you might run a marathon while wearing Nikes.

At the 1908 Olympics, the contemporary marathon distance was expanded to 26.2 miles, with the marathon races designed to begin at Windsor Castle and end at the Olympic stadium. Today, all officially sanctioned marathons are 26.2 miles in length.

The chicago marathon is the oldest in the United States, having been conducted continuously since 1897.

The Boston Marathon, which kicked off in 1897 and is the world's oldest annual marathon, began allowing female competitors in 1972, while the first Olympic marathon for women wasn't held until 1984.

Other marathons certify their courses so that runners' times can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Philippides over two thousand years ago. Initially the length of an Olympic marathon was not fixed, but the marathon races in the first few Olympic Games were actually closer to 40 kilometres (25 miles), which is approximately the distance from Marathon to Athens.

Runner's World Break 4:00 Marathon Plan (16 weeks) $10 at Shop Runner's World Credit: Runner's World Break 3:00 Marathon Plan (16 weeks) $10 at Shop Runner's World Credit: Runner's World Heather Mayer Irvine Freelance Writer Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner's World, the author of The Runner's World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 19:44 5K and 5:33 mile. Her work has been published in Health

There's a chance your brain deleted any info about the metric system immediately after completing middle school math, so it might be easier to consider how far a 5K is in miles.

Pierre de Coubertin was someone in particular who was inspired by the accomplishment of Pheidippides. The story of the Greek runner who ran with purpose on that fateful day so long ago had his attention. Coubertin was also enamored with the ancient Olympic Games and founded the first modern Olympic Games. Though there was not a marathon event in the original games, Coubertin felt strongly about including the long-distance running race. The idea was well received. The marathon became an official event during the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece in 1896. The race course began in the town

Since 1896, when it began as a men's medal competition, the marathon has been an Olympic event. The Olympics took nearly a century to include a women's marathon; the women's competition began in 1984.

Getting Ready to Run a Marathon

If you're training for a marathon, it's critical to stick to a training schedule to ensure that you're fully prepared for the race, avoid injury, and feel confident at the starting line.

Following a training regimen will also help keep you motivated during the four to five months required to prepare for the marathon. With a well-designed plan, you'll gradually increase the distance of your weekly long run before tapering off in a final couple of weeks.

Additionally, this preparation phase helps you to practise proper race hydration and snacks to maintain your energy level throughout the race. Additionally, you will learn which shoes, socks, and other running equipment you require to avoid blisters and chafing and stay comfortable on lengthy runs.

The best marathon times are achieved in colder weather. But training in hot weather can make you a faster marathon runner .

Training Programs for Marathons

Thesetraining routines will assist you in preparing to run the 26.2 marathon distances. Always speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new fitness plan.

Beginner marathon training schedule: This 20-week plan is designed for first-time marathon runners. To begin this training programme, you should have a weekly running mileage of 12 to 15 kilometres.

22-week beginner marathon training plan: This marathon training plan extends the training period for novices by a couple of weeks.

Advanced novice marathon training schedule: This 20-week program is designed for athletes who can comfortably run four miles and run four to five days per week.

Intermediate marathon training programme: This 18-week marathon training schedule is designed for intermediate runners who have completed a marathon, are presently running five days a week and can run up to six miles at a time.

Expert marathon training schedule: This 18-week training schedule is meant for advanced runners who can easily run up to 8 miles and run at least five days per week.

Training plan for marathon walking: Marathons are not just for runners. If you intend to walk the distance, you may wish to follow this 19-week training schedule.

Run/walk marathon training plan: Many first-time marathon runners employ a run/walk technique, alternately running and walking intervals. This 20-week marathon training programme is meant to assist you in running/walking to the marathon finish line.

History of the 26-Mile Marathon Distance

The legend goes that Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran 25 miles from Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of the Athenians' victory over the Persians in 490 B.C.1 He arrived to declare "Nikomen," which is "We win" in Greek. The word is derived from the name of the goddess Nike (Victory). Today, you might run a marathon wearing Nikes on your feet.

The modern marathon distance became 26.2 miles at the 1908 Olympics, where the marathontraining routines will assist you in preparing to run the 26.2 marathon distances. Always speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new fitness plan.

Beginner marathon training schedule: This 20-week plan is designed for first-time marathon runners. To begin this training programme, you should have a weekly running mileage of 12 to 15 kilometres.

22-week beginner marathon training plan: This marathon training plan extends the training period for novices by a couple of weeks.

Advanced novice marathon training schedule: This 20-week program is designed for athletes who can comfortably run four miles and run four to five days per week.

Intermediate marathon training programme: This 18-week marathon training schedule is designed for intermediate runners who have completed a marathon, are presently running five days a week and can run up to six miles at a time.

Expert marathon training schedule: This 18-week training schedule is meant for advanced runners who can easily run up to 8 miles and run at least five days per week.

Training plan for marathon walking: Marathons are not just for runners. If you intend to walk the distance, you may wish to follow this 19-week training schedule.

Run/walk marathon training plan: Many first-time marathon runners employ a run/walk technique, alternately running and walking intervals. This 20-week marathon training programme is meant to assist you in running/walking to the marathon finish line.

History of the 26-Mile Marathon Distance

The legend goes that Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran 25 miles from Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of the Athenians' victory over the Persians in 490 B.C.1 He arrived to declare "Nikomen," which is "We win" in Greek. The word is derived from the name of the goddess Nike (Victory). Today, you might run a marathon wearing Nikes on your feet.

The modern marathon distance became 26.2 miles at the 1908 Olympics, where the marathon course was designed so that it could start at Windsor Castle and finish at the Olympic stadium. Today, all official marathons are 26.2 miles.

Is has to do with Ancient Greek mythology, the Olympics and the British royal family. Author: Elizabeth Nix Updated: Aug 2, 2021 Original: Oct 29, 2014 David Madison / Getty Images Is has to do with Ancient Greek mythology, the Olympics and the British royal family. T

The oldest marathon in the U.S. is the Boston Marathon, which has been run continually since 1897.1 Other marathons ensure their courses are certified so runners can use their times to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

The ancient games, which took place in Greece from around 776 B.C. to A.D. 393, never included such long-distance races.

The marathon has been an Olympic event since 1896, when it began as a men's medal competition. It took nearly a century for a women's marathon to be added to the Olympics; the women's competition did not begin until 1984.

As the story goes, Queen Alexandra requested that the race start on the lawn of Windsor Castle (so the littlest royals could watch from the window of their nursery, according to some accounts)

Preparing to Run a Marathon

If you want to train for a marathon, it's important to follow a training schedule so you're properly prepared for the race, avoid getting injured, and feel confident when you get to the starting line.

Having a training schedule to follow will also keep you motivated during the 4 to 5 months that you'll need to prepare for the race. With a well-designed plan, you will steadily increase the distance of your long run of the week, then taper your mileage in the last couple of weeks.

This training period also allows you to practice good race hydration and snacks to keep your energy up during the race. You will also learn what shoes, socks, and other running equipment you need to avoid blisters and chafing and feel more comfortable during long runs.

Marathon Training Plans

These training plans can help you prepare to complete those 26.2 marathon miles. Remember to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.

Beginner marathon training plan: This 20-week schedule is geared toward first-time marathoners. To start this training plan, you should have a running base mileage of 12 to 15 miles per week.
22-week beginner marathon training plan: This marathon training plan gives beginners a couple more weeks of training.

When the modern Olympics began in 1896, those responsible for its organisation wanted to place an event centre stage that would embody the spirit of the Ancient Games.
Advanced beginner marathon training plan: This 20-week marathon training schedule is for runners who can run 4 miles comfortably and can run four to five days per week.
Intermediate marathon training plan: This 18-week marathon training schedule can be used by intermediate runners who have already run a marathon, currently run five days a week, and can run up to 6 miles at a time.
Advanced marathon training plan: This 18-week marathon training schedule is designed for advanced runners with marathon experience who can run up to 8 miles comfortably and are running at least 5 days a week.
Marathon walking training plan: Marathons aren't just for runners. If you plan to walk the distance, you can use this 19-week training plan.
Run/walk marathon training plan: Many first-time marathoners use a run/walk strategy, alternating intervals of running and walking. This 20-week marathon training program is designed to help you run/walk to the finish line of your marathon.

The marathon course was described as proceeding: From Windsor Castle to the Olympic Stadium in Shepherd's Rush, in which 385 yards were run on the cinder track to the finish, below the Royal Box, the runner turning to his left as he entered the track on the side opposite the Royal Box. Clearly, the lack of consensus

Estimate Your Marathon Time

It's helpful to estimate your marathon finishing time before running your first race so you know how to pace yourself properly. You'll also want to give yourbritish royal family members and friends cheering for you an idea of when to expect you on the course marathon race

Predicting race times, especially for marathons, can be challenging because there are many variables, such as weather and course conditions. Keep in mind that an expected marathon time does not guarantee that you'll run that time. In most cases, only experienced marathoners achieve their predicted time or are very close to it.

If you decide to run a marathon, remember that any finish time is a good time, especially for a first marathon. Make it a goal to stay focused on finishing the race and don’t worry too much about time.

Finally, in 1921 the International Amateur Athletic Federation set the standard distance of a marathon at 26.2 miles, based on the length of the 1908 race.

To get a sense of your marathon time in advance, you can use race time prediction charts or calculators that determine a finish time based on a recent race. For the most accurate prediction, you should use a race time from a race you've done about 4 to 6 weeks before your marathon.

marathon distance

Additionally, if you ran a marathon during the previous year, it's a good idea to analyze those results. If you're curious about where you might end up finishing (top 25%, age group winner, etc.) in a particular marathon, you can also look at the online results from last year's race which will probably be similar this year.

A quick formula that a lot of runners like to use is to take a recent half marathon time, double it, and then add 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the difficulty of the course.

Try the race time prediction calculators below. If this is your first marathon, add 5% to 6% to the calculator prediction.

MarathonGuide.com Race Results Prediction: Choose a distance and a time to calculate theoretical race results and check out your marathon prediction.
Runner's World Race Time Predictor: This calculator uses a recent race time to determine a predicted marathon finish time.
Before you sign up for your first marathon, know that big city marathons and fast, flat courses tend to be much more competitive than small, local races. But the advantage of a large marathon is that there will be more racers who are at your same pace, especially at the back of the pack if you find yourself there.

Some marathons have time limits, such as 6 or 7 hours (although others have no limit). If you're a slower runner or walker, find out if there's a cutoff time when selecting a marathon.

The Length of a Marathon Compared to Other Distances

Understanding the challenges that a marathon poses can become easier if we think of those 26.2 miles in a less abstract way than simple numbers. So, how far is a marathon compared to other distances?

If you run a marathon in the inner lane of a running track, it’s no less than 105 laps. A lap on an outdoor track is 400 meters. You’d have to run 4 laps to get to 1 mile.

Meanwhile, a straightway on a track is 100 meters, so to complete a marathon, you’d have to run the equivalent distance of over 421 and a half 100-meter sprints – good thing you won’t have to sprint through them!

On the plus side, a marathon is nowhere near as long as what some consider the longest street in the world, Yonge Street in Toronto, Canada, which measures a whopping 1,178 miles.

The mythical street, if not the actual one, is long enough for 44 marathons to be run on it simultaneously without the competitors from one marathon getting to meet those from the next.

Since 25 miles is only 40.23 kilometers, if you were running it downward rather than forward, you’d be able to just break through the Earth’s crust or outermost layer, which is 40 kilometers deep and contains all known life in the universe. And you’d better get some heat protection, as the mantle’s temperature can reach up to 6,692 degrees Fahrenheit.

But before our heads start spinning with so many numbers, let’s take a peek at the history of the marathon.

How Long Is a Marathon—And How Do I Train for One?

Now that you know how long a marathon is, you’re probably wondering how to get ready for your next (or first) marathon. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the roads, one thing is true: It takes time to properly train for a marathon. Runner’s World recommends 16 weeks to train for a marathon. (And having a training base before your start on your race journey is very helpful.)

To help you get to your finish line healthy and injury-free, we offer 16-week marathon training plans. All of our plans were designed to help out all runner from beginners to advanced. Several were created to help runners hit specific time goals, such as breaking 4 hours in the marathon or 2 hours in the half marathon. And if you’re a Runner’s World+ Member, you get your training plans for free (along with many other member perks).

As the story goes, Queen Alexandra requested that the race start on the lawn of Windsor Castle (so the littlest royals could watch from the window of their nursery, according to some accounts)

How Long Does It Take to Run a Marathon? A Beginner's Guide to Running a Half Marathon Verywell Fit Daily Healthy Eating and Fitness Tips to Your Inbox Sign Up You're in! Thank you.

The current official marathon world record is held by the Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge, who ran the 2018 Berlin Marathon in 2:01:39. The women's world record was set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019, who ran the Chicago Marathon in 2:14:04.

The legend goes that a Greek messenger, by the name of Philippides, saw a Persian vessel sailing towards Athens at the end of a victorious battle for the Greek army. Philippides interpreted this as an attempt by the Persians to rush to the Greek capital and claim the battle's victory for themselves.

How Many Miles Is a 5K Run? A 5K is 3.1 miles long. To put it in perspective, that's equivalent to running 45 laps around a baseball diamond. At a 10-minute mile pace, it'll take you about 31 minutes to run a 5K. How Many Miles Is a 10K Run? A 10K is 6.2 miles long. If you're considering training for a 10K , that's about the same as running the length of 91 football fields, including both end zones. At a 10-minute mile pace, you'll finish the race in about an hour and two minutes. How Many Miles Is a 15K Run? A 15K is 9.3

How Long Does It Take to Run a Marathon? Finishing times for marathons tend to be around 4 to 5 hours for most runners, according to Healthline .

Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running.