The Story of the Marathon: From Ancient Legend to Global Obsession

If you sign up for a Marathon, you’re taking part in a tradition that’s over 2,000 years old. Yes, you read that correctly! 

The marathon’s origin story begins in 490 BC with a Greek messenger named Pheidippides. According to legend, he ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens, roughly 25 miles, to deliver news of victory over the Persians. He burst into the city, announced “Nike!” (which means victory, not the shoe), and promptly collapsed. It’s unclear how historically accurate this is, but as far as race origin stories go, it’s iconic.

Fast forward to 1896, when the modern Olympic Games were revived in Athens. Inspired by the legend, organisers included a marathon race of about 40 kilometres (roughly 25 miles). It was meant to mirror the ancient route from Marathon to Athens. The winner, Spiridon Louis, became a national hero overnight. Suddenly, running very far was fashionable.

Why is a Marathon 26.2 miles long?

So why is a marathon 26.2 miles and not 25? Blame British royalty. During the 1908 London Olympics, the race was extended so it could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box at the stadium, giving us the oddly specific 26.2 miles (42.195 km). That distance was officially standardised in 1921, and runners have been questioning their life choices ever since.

Throughout the 20th century, marathons grew from elite competitions to global mass-participation events. The New York City Marathon began in 1970 with just 127 runners looping around Central Park. Today, over 50,000 runners take over all five boroughs. The same story repeats in London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo. The marathon became less about ancient warfare and more about personal achievement.

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The evolution of the Marathon

One of the most powerful chapters in marathon history came in 1967, when Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, despite organisers trying to remove her mid-race. Women were officially allowed to compete in the Olympic marathon only in 1984. Now? Women make up a huge percentage of marathon fields worldwide.

Today, the marathon means different things to different people. For some, it’s chasing a personal best. For others, it’s completing 26.2 miles for the first time. For many, it’s about proving something to themselves, and some raising money for a good cause.

The marathon has evolved into one of the most iconic challenges in sport. And every time someone crosses that finish line, arms raised, medal earned, they become part of that story.

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Could you take on the ultimate challenge of a marathon?

Check out this personalised marathon training plan. Whatever your pace, background, or finish-line dream, we’ll guide you every step of the way.