The origin of the marathon dates back to ancient Greece, specifically the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger. According to the story, Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to deliver the news of the Greeks' victory over the Persians. After completing the arduous journey of approximately 40 kilometers, he reportedly exclaimed, "Nike!" (Victory!) before collapsing and dying from exhaustion. This heroic tale inspired the creation of the marathon race in the modern Olympic Games.

The first official marathon was held during the 1896 Athens Olympics, covering the same distance Pheidippides is said to have run. The event quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of endurance and human spirit. Over time, the standard marathon distance was standardized to 42.195 kilometers, a length established at the 1908 London Olympics.

In Chinese, the word "marathon" is translated as "马拉松" (mǎlāsōng). This term has been widely adopted and is used to refer to both the long-distance running event and the broader concept of endurance and perseverance it represents. The marathon's rich historical background and its modern-day significance make it a celebrated event worldwide, uniting runners from diverse cultures under the banner of athletic achievement and human resilience.