The marathon distance is the distance run by Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC. Pheidippides is reported by Plutarch to have run 25 miles to announce the victory of the Athenians over a Persian army. Upon proclaiming, "Rejoice. We conquer!" he fell dead. The modern marathon distance became established at 26 miles, 385 yards at the 1908 Olympics in London, starting at Windsor Castle and finishing at the Olympic stadium. This is about 42 kilometers and has remained the standard distance.
Training to Walk a Marathon

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