Marathon

26.2-mile race — the classic endurance distance inspired by the legend of Pheidippides.

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Understanding Marathon

The marathon (26.2 miles / 42.195 km) is the iconic endurance distance, tracing its origins to the legend of Pheidippides running from the Battle of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC. The modern marathon was established at the 1908 London Olympics, where the course was extended to 26 miles 385 yards so it could finish in front of the royal box.

Running a marathon is as much a test of logistics as fitness. Glycogen stores deplete around mile 18–20, making nutrition and pacing critical. You need to train your body to burn fat efficiently, practice consuming calories while running, and execute a patient race plan. Going out even 10 seconds per mile too fast can cost you minutes in the final 10K.

The marathon has experienced massive growth, with over 1,100 marathons held annually in the US. For most runners, finishing a marathon is a bucket-list achievement. For competitive runners, the marathon is where the deepest fitness reveals itself — there's nowhere to hide over 26.2 miles.

Key Facts: Marathon

Key facts and insights about marathon that every endurance athlete should know.

World records

World records: 2:00:35 (men, Kelvin Kiptum) and 2:11:53 (women, Tigst Assefa)

Average US marathon finish time

Average US marathon finish time: ~4:20–4:30 for men, ~4:50–5:00 for women

Only about 0.5% of the US population has

Only about 0.5% of the US population has completed a marathon

The "wall" typically hits between miles

The "wall" typically hits between miles 18–22 as glycogen stores are exhausted

Pro Tips: Marathon

Run your longest training runs (18–22 miles) at easy pace — they're about time on feet, not speed

Practice your exact race-day nutrition during long runs: same gels, same timing, same fluids

Run the first 10K of the marathon feeling like you're holding back — this patience pays off massively after mile 20

Nothing new on race day: don't wear new shoes, try new food, or change your routine

Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon

Most plans are 16–20 weeks, but you should have a solid running base (25–30 miles/week for several months) before starting. Total time from "beginning runner" to marathon is typically 12–18 months. Rushing marathon training is the fastest path to injury.

Miles 18–22. Your glycogen stores are depleting, your legs are fatigued, and you still have a long way to go. This is "the wall." Proper training (long runs), nutrition (gels every 30–45 min), and conservative early pacing are how you manage it. The last 10K of a marathon is a different race than the first 20 miles.