What is a Marathon?

Do you know what is a marathon? Read the article further to understand the concept and the meaning of different activities done under this sports section.

A marathon is an endurance test taken over foot to cover 26 miles of distance in a competition. It is named after Marathon, the Greek Battle that occurred in 490 BCE. Today, it is held in different countries and states participated by both men and women. It includes a number of skill levels tested in different ways. An athlete is given training for increased stamina before participating in a marathon. If considered the legend, the Greeks won the battle over Persians at the Battle of Marathon and to give this news, a runner was sent to Athens. His name was Pheidippides who ran the complete distance without stopping for rest just to announce the victory at the earliest.  Once he gave the news to his destination, he dropped dead due to the physical stress caused throughout the long run.

On the other hand, history states that Pheidippides was sent to Athens to Sparta for requesting assistance at Marathon. As per the history, it was not Pheidippides who was sent to give news to Athens about the victory, rather he was sent for assistance required at the Battlefield. It was probably other runner named Herodotus who ran to give the news and very obvious that the journey cannot be completed without a single stop.

Coming to the modern day marathon, there are organizers who arrange the race course and set target to meet the distance requirement. It was started and same decided tradition is carried on over the years since 1908’s Olympic games held at London. As per the decided game, runners either commence their race together in a mass or dispatch in waves (divided by genders and ability to perform).

The course has to be completed in a set time period, usually hosted for four hours. Even less experienced runners participate in Marathon for specific cause. Runners get extensive training program as it challenges the endurance level. Therefore, no damage can be made on the course. And to ensure safety, doctors and many volunteers are set to help the participants and manage everything accordingly. Also, participants undergo physical health during the race to maintain their energy and endurance capacity. They are also provided with electrolyte that avoids risks. It is a common understanding that a person with depressed immune system should not try marathon which can further harm his/her physical health.