MARATHON Meaning and
Definition
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Marathon (noun): Marathon refers to a long-distance footrace that covers a distance of 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers. It is an endurance event where participants traverse a marked course, usually through roads and streets, which requires running for an extended duration. The term "marathon" originates from the legendary tale of a Greek soldier, Pheidippides, who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory before collapsing. The modern marathon was inspired by this historical event.
Marathons commonly form part of athletic competitions, public events, or as fundraising activities for various charitable causes. Participants in marathons can vary widely, including professional athletes, amateur runners, joggers, and walkers. Training for a marathon typically involves months of rigorous physical preparation to build aerobic endurance and muscular strength.
The race usually commences with a mass start, where numerous participants begin running concurrently. Marathons may be organized as point-to-point courses, where the starting and finishing points differ, or loop courses, maintaining the same start and finish location. Spectators often line the marathon route, offering encouragement and support to the runners.
Completing a marathon is considered a significant accomplishment for many individuals, as it tests both physical and mental fortitude. The event demands determination, perseverance, and strategic race management. Finish times can vary considerably based on individual abilities, training, terrain, and weather conditions. Crossing the finish line of a marathon is often celebrated as a personal triumph, signifying the completion of the demanding distance.
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Etymology of MARATHON
The word "marathon" is derived from the name of a city in ancient Greece, called "Marathon" (Μαραθών), which is located about 6 miles (4 kilometers) northeast of Athens. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the legendary Battle of Marathon, which took place in 490 BCE during the Greco-Persian Wars.
According to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the Persians invaded Greece and landed on the coast of Marathon. The Athenian army, led by the general Miltiades, attempted to defend their land and faced the Persians in battle. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Athenians managed to achieve a decisive victory.
It is said that following their triumph, a messenger named Pheidippides was sent from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory and deliver the news. The distance between the two locations was approximately 6.
Similar spelling words for MARATHON
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