Marathon and doing the marathon running is one of the most iconic long-distance races in the world, testing the endurance, discipline, and determination of runners. People have run essentially marathons or those close to them for a number of reasons from peace to awareness. Understanding the history and workings of a marathon adds a deeper appreciation and makes it keep going to last a lifetime.
The History of Marathon Running
The origins of the marathon can be, of course, traced back to ancient Greece. It takes us to 490 BCE during the Greco-Persian war and at the battle where it was named after, the Battle of Marathon. A soldier named Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens, a distance of roughly 25 miles, to deliver news of the Greek victory over the Persians. Upon arrival, he reportedly uttered the words “Nikē!” which means victory (Referencing the Greek God not the company) before collapsing and dying from exhaustion. With anything having to do with mythology, take it with a grain of salt, though this story has inspired the creation of the modern marathon running.
The marathon running was officially introduced in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, fittingly in Athens, Greece. The initial race covered 40 kilometers (approximately 24.8 miles), closely following the estimated distance of Pheidippides’ legendary run. However, during the 1908 London Olympics, the race distance was extended to 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) to accommodate a course that started at Windsor Castle and finished in front of the royal box at the Olympic Stadium. This distance was later standardized and remains the official length of a modern marathon today.
The Structure of a Marathon
A marathon is an endurance race that requires both physical, dietary, and conditioning, and so on. Understanding its structure and key components can help runners and spectators alike appreciate the complexity of this event. Sure everyone can do it but not everyone does and that’s the important part that deserves recognition.
1. Marathon training
It typically lasts between 12 to 20 weeks, depending on a runner’s experience level. To stay in physical shape, training plans often include:
Long Runs: Gradually increasing in distance to build endurance.
Speed Work: Interval training and tempo runs to improve pace.
Cross-Training: Activities like cycling or swimming to enhance overall fitness while reducing injury risk.
Tapering: Reducing mileage gradually in the weeks leading up to race day to allow the body to recover and peak at the right time.
2. Race Day Logistics
On race day, marathon organizers ensure everything runs smoothly through meticulous planning:
Course Marking & Aid Stations: The course is marked with distance signs, and aid stations provide water, sports drinks, and sometimes energy gels.
Pacers: Experienced runners help participants maintain a steady pace to achieve their goal times.
Medical Support: First aid stations and medical personnel are stationed along the route to assist runners in distress.
It’s a Race not a Marathon
The experience of marathon running is not just actually doing it but finishing it, not to mention the preparation it takes too. The early miles may feel comfortable, but fatigue gradually sets in. Around the 20-mile mark, many runners encounter the infamous “wall,” where energy stores are depleted, making it difficult to continue or even impossible.
That’s typically when the body is weak, the legs are shambling, and the lungs are on fire. Mental resilience and proper fueling strategies are critical for runners to push through to the finish line, but most can’t.
The feeling of crossing the finish line is unparalleled—a mixture of relief, accomplishment, euphoria, and above all exhaustion. Whether a runner completes the race in two hours or six, finishing a marathon is a significant achievement that represents months of dedication and effort.
From its ancient war-like Greek origins to its modern-day status as a global endurance event, the marathon has evolved into a true test of human perseverance. Participating for personal achievement, charity, or competition, each runner joins a tradition that spans thousands of years. Understanding the history and workings of a marathon not only enhances appreciation for the event but also serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to take on the challenge.
