A marathon is exactly 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). This is the standard distance for all official marathon races.
Why this specific distance? The history of the marathon distance dates back to the 1896 Olympic Games. According to legend, Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. While the exact distance he ran is debated, the first modern Olympic marathon in 1896 was roughly 40 kilometers (24.85 miles).
The definitive 26.2-mile distance was established at the 1908 London Olympics. The race was set to start at Windsor Castle so the royal family could view the start, and finished in front of the royal box at the Olympic stadium. This added a few miles, resulting in the now-standard 26.2-mile distance.
Here's a breakdown:
- Distance: 26.2 miles
- Distance (Kilometers): 42.195 kilometers
Therefore, whether you measure in miles or kilometers, you now know exactly how far a marathon is!
