The 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 42 kilometers and has remained the standard distance. The Boston Athletic Association Marathon started in 1897 and remains the oldest continuously held marathon.
Meanwhile, the long distance walking distance for the Olympic walk was set at 50 kilometers at the same 1908 Olympic Games, making it the longest track event. So, runners get off with a shorter distance than is expected of Olympic walkers.
Long distance walking events of marathon length also remained popular in Europe. The Nijmegen 4-Days Walk began in 1909 with a distance of 35 kilometers and in 1910 changed categories to 35K, 45K, and 55K per day for four days. By 1966 the distance had evolved to 30K, 40K, or 50K per day depending on age and sex.
In the 1990's many running marathons began to offer a walking marathon category, in response to a growing market of walkers looking for challenging events. The amount of accommodation for walkers varies from event to event, some remaining purely for runners and closing their courses before the 5 hour mark.
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Marathon Walking Lessons
- Marathon History
- Why is a Mrathon so Tough?
- Marathon Walk Training
- Shoes for the Marathon
- Walking Form
- Base Mileage
- Marathon Mileage-Building Schedule
- Half-Marathon Training Schedule
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- Strategy for Walking a Marathon
- Nutrition
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- Clothing for the Marathon
- Blisters and Chafing
- Marathon Race Day
- Pacing
- Nature Calls
- The Finish
- Choosing a Marathon Event
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- Reader Tips
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- Marathon Cards
- Marathon Clip Art
Related Resources
- Before You Register for a Walking Marathon
- Book: "The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking"
