The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres, that is usually run as a road race. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon (the namesake of the race) to Athens. The historical accuracy of this legend is in doubt, contradicted by accounts given by Herodotus, in particular.
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marathon A footrace of 26 miles 385 yards, 42,195 m.
