<P> The marathon is a long - distance race , completed by running , walking , or a run / walk strategy . There are also wheelchair divisions . The marathon has an official distance of 42.195 kilometres ( 26.219 miles , or 26 miles 385 yards ) , usually run as a road race . The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides , a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens , who reported the victory . </P>
<P> The marathon is a long - distance race , completed by running , walking , or a run / walk strategy . There are also wheelchair divisions . The marathon has an official distance of 42.195 kilometres ( 26.219 miles , or 26 miles 385 yards ) , usually run as a road race . The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides , a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens , who reported the victory . </P>
who ran 26 miles between marathon and athens
who ran 26 miles between marathon and athens
Pheidippides
Pheidippides