The Marathon

The Marathon is a long-distance running event that covers a distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). It originated from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to announce a victory over the Persians. The modern marathon was popularized in the 1896 Athens Olympics and has since become a global event, with major races held in cities worldwide. Participants often train extensively to complete the race, and it symbolizes endurance, perseverance, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome challenges.