<P> The marathon is a long - distance running race with 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 running race with 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>
why is it 26.2 miles for a marathon
why is it 26.2 miles for a marathon
in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides , a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens , who reported the victory
in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides , a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens , who reported the victory