Everything You Need to Know About the Marathon: History, Records, and Amazing Facts
The marathon, a legendary long-distance road race, is globally recognized for its grueling 26 miles and 385 yards—or exactly 42.195 kilometers. But where does this iconic distance come from?
The story traces back to ancient Greece in 490 BC, where a soldier named Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory over the Persians. According to legend, he burst into the assembly, gasped “We have won,” and then collapsed and died. This incredible feat of endurance inspired the creation of the modern-day marathon.
When Was the Marathon Distance Standardized?
While the idea of the marathon has been around for centuries, the official distance of 42.195 km (26.2 miles) wasn’t standardized until 1921. Before that, distances varied slightly depending on the course or country. Since its official recognition, this distance has remained the gold standard for marathons across the world.
Key Marathon Facts and Figures
How Popular Are Marathons Today?
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More than 500 marathons are held annually worldwide.
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Over 500,000 Americans finish a marathon each year.
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Major events like the New York City, London, Berlin, and Boston Marathons attract tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators.
Current World Record Holders
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Men’s World Record: Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) ran the Berlin Marathon in 2:01:09 in 2022.
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Women’s World Record: Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) finished the 2019 Chicago Marathon in 2:14:04, breaking Paula Radcliffe’s long-standing record.
Note: These records are continually being updated as athletes push the limits of human endurance.
Incredible Marathon Records and Feats
Youngest Marathoner: Budhia Singh
One of the most controversial records belongs to Budhia Singh, a boy from India who reportedly ran a marathon at the age of 3. The feat drew global attention and legal trouble for his coach, who was accused of child exploitation.
Oldest Male and Female Marathon Finishers
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Fauja Singh, from the UK, allegedly completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon at age 100 in 8 hours, 11 minutes. However, due to lack of a verifiable birth certificate, this record remains unofficial.
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Gladys Burrill, also from the UK, finished the Honolulu Marathon at age 92, setting a record as the oldest female marathoner with a time of 9 hours and 53 minutes.
Slowest Marathon Finish Ever
The slowest marathon record belongs to Lloyd Scott, who completed the 2002 London Marathon in a staggering 5 days and 8 hours—while wearing a 110-pound deep-sea diving suit. Due to modern time limits (usually 6 to 24 hours), this record will likely never be broken.
Marathon While Juggling a Soccer Ball
In 2011, John Farnworth, a freestyle footballer, completed the London Marathon in 12 hours and 15 minutes—juggling a football the entire way without dropping it once. This impressive combination of endurance and ball control earned him a unique place in marathon history.
The Marathon in the Olympic Games
The marathon was introduced in the first modern Olympics in 1896, fittingly held in Athens, Greece. It quickly became one of the most prestigious athletic events in the Games.
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The women’s marathon didn’t debut until the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, highlighting a major milestone in gender equality in sports.
Notable Marathon Events Around the World
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Boston Marathon: The oldest annual marathon in the world, dating back to 1897.
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New York City Marathon: With over 50,000 finishers, it’s the largest marathon in the world.
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Berlin Marathon: Known for its flat, fast course, where numerous world records have been set.
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London Marathon: Famous for its fundraising achievements and record-breaking costumes.
Marathon Man: Stefan Engels
One of the most jaw-dropping marathon achievements belongs to Stefan Engels from Belgium. Nicknamed “Marathon Man,” he ran 365 marathons in 365 consecutive days in 2010—a feat of mental and physical discipline that captured global admiration.
Why People Run Marathons
So why do hundreds of thousands of people run marathons every year? It’s not just about fitness. For many, marathons are a way to:
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Challenge personal limits
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Raise money for charity
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Celebrate recovery or transformation
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Check off a bucket list goal
Running a marathon is an intense but fulfilling experience that often becomes a life-changing event.
Symbol of Endurance
From ancient legends to modern-day records, the marathon has become more than a sport—it’s a symbol of endurance, perseverance, and human potential. Whether you’re aiming for a world record or just hoping to cross the finish line, the marathon offers a journey like no other.
If you’re inspired by these incredible stories, maybe it’s time to lace up your running shoes and start your own marathon journey.
