The marathon, a long-distance running event, traces its origins back to ancient Greece. According to legend, the race was inspired by the story of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to deliver news of the Greeks' victory over the Persians. After completing the approximately 40-kilometer journey, he reportedly exclaimed, "Nike!" (Victory!) and then collapsed and died from exhaustion.

The modern marathon as we know it was established during the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The organizers sought to create an event that would commemorate Pheidippides' legendary run. The distance of the inaugural marathon was approximately 40 kilometers, similar to the distance from Marathon to Athens.

In 1908, the marathon distance was standardized to 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards) for the London Olympics. This change was made to accommodate the British royal family's request to have the race start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box at the Olympic Stadium. The new distance became the official marathon length in 1921.

Over the years, the marathon has evolved into a popular endurance sport, attracting thousands of participants globally. Major cities around the world host annual marathon events, such as the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and the London Marathon. These races not only test the physical limits of the runners but also serve as platforms for charitable causes and community engagement.

Today, the marathon symbolizes perseverance, determination, and human endurance, continuing to inspire athletes and amateurs alike to push beyond their boundaries and achieve their personal bests.