As it existed when the Olympics were revived in 1896, this route was approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) long. It was the approximate distance originally used for marathon races. 6 days ago · The marathon is a long-distance footrace first held at the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. In 1924 the Olympic marathon distance was standardized at 42,195 meters (26 miles 385 yards). · How Long Is A Marathon? A marathon equals 26.2 miles. A marathon measures 26 miles 385 yards, or 42.195 kilometers. World Athletics set this exact course length in 1921, based on earlier Olympic courses, and keeps it as the global standard today (World Athletics, Boston Athletic Association). · In 1921, the marathon was formalised as 26.2 miles/42.2km, though there seems to be no explanation as to why that was the chosen distance. From the 1924 Paris Olympic Games onwards, all runners competed at the new distance. The organisers of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 devised the marathon race over 40km to celebrate the achievements of Ancient Greece. · How long is a marathon (in miles/km) and how long does it take to run one? Get the 26.2-mile distance explained – plus average finish times, training tips, pacing strategies, and personal insights from coach David Dack. How long is a marathon?The modern 42.195 km (26.219 mi) standard distance for the marathon was set by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) in May 1921 directly from the length used at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. Samuel Wanjiru raises his hand in acknowledgment of the crowd as he runs to a gold medal in the 2008 Olympic marathon.When did the Marathon start?A creation of the French philologist Michel Bréal inspired by a story from Ancient Greece, the marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events in 1896 in Athens. The distance did not become standardized until 1921. The distance is also included in the World Athletics Championships, which began in 1983.How long was the first Olympic marathon?The first modern Olympic marathon in 1896 did not adhere to this distance, as it was initially set for various competitive events. Over time, the 26.2-mile standard became a cornerstone of marathon races worldwide, symbolizing both the challenge and the prestige of completing such an event.What is the official distance of a marathon?From the 1924 Paris Olympic Games onwards, all runners competed at the new distance of 26.2 miles. This means that 2024 marks 100 years that people have officially been running exactly 26.2 miles for fun. The 1924 Boston Marathon also extended its course to this distance. · This answer to how long is a marathon was established in 1924 by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), marking the 42.195 kilometers as the official length. · How Long Is A Marathon? A marathon equals 26.2 miles. A marathon measures 26 miles 385 yards, or 42.195 kilometers. World Athletics set this exact course length in 1921, based on earlier Olympic courses, and keeps it as the global standard today (World Athletics, Boston Athletic Association). · In 1921, the marathon was formalised as 26.2 miles/42.2km, though there seems to be no explanation as to why that was the chosen distance. From the 1924 Paris Olympic Games onwards, all runners competed at the new distance. The organisers of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 devised the marathon race over 40km to celebrate the achievements of Ancient Greece. · How long is a marathon (in miles/km) and how long does it take to run one? Get the 26.2-mile distance explained – plus average finish times, training tips, pacing strategies, and personal insights from coach David Dack. · This answer to how long is a marathon was established in 1924 by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), marking the 42.195 kilometers as the official length.