How Long Is a Marathon? 26.2 Miles — And Everything Else You Need

Have you ever watched runners cross the finish line, tears streaming down their faces, and thought to yourself – What does it really take to get there? If you have ever wondered how long is a marathon, you are on the right track. Here, you get the distance, comparison, and which race is best for you.

So, Exactly How Long Is a Marathon  In Miles, KM, and Yards

The distance of a marathon is 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers or 46,145 yards. Irrelevant to the location of the marathon, all official races are run at this distance. There is never any change in the distance. 

This implies that a runner can run a marathon in a small town or a big capital city and run the same distance. All finishers will receive the same distance.

Why Is a Marathon Exactly 26.2 Miles — Not a Round Number?

Well, one would think that the marathon would be any one of the round numbers, 25 or 30 miles, but it’s not, and here’s why. The 1908 London Olympics had everything done right about it. What should have originally been a 26-mile run turned out to be 385 yards more at the last minute when the organizers changed the track such that the finish line lay directly in front of where the royal family was sitting. As such, the final distance came out as 26.2 miles.

Before the London Olympic Games, the marathon distance varied greatly between 24 to 25 miles in various events. However, this distance was decided upon and set as it remained constant ever since; in fact, it was officially made international in 1921. Next time you wonder how this distance came about, you will know what to tell them.

How Long Is a Marathon Compared to Other Race Distances?

It’s easier to compare the length of a marathon to other race distances: 

For instance, a full marathon is double the distance of a half marathon, and over 8 times the distance of a 5 K. It is important to consider this to put it into the proper perspective. 

There are also ultramarathons, which take things to the next level and are available in terms of 50 Miles, 100 miles, or even further. For runners who are looking to take their running beyond marathon race lines, these are for you.

Which Race Distance Is Right for You?

Before picking a race, it helps to know how long is a marathon versus shorter distances. Here’s where the rubber meets the road. 

Let’s break it down, brutally honest, based on your fitness level and experience: 

• If you are just beginning, choose a 5K. It takes 6-8 weeks to train. It will be no real stretch, and you’ll be able to build running practice and some confidence. 
• If you’ve got over 5K and 10K, then you’re ready to take on the challenge of a half-marathon. While 13.1 miles is a true test, after 12-14 weeks of training, you can undoubtedly run it. The half-marathon is considered the ‘Goldilocks distance’ by many runners. 
• You’re up for a challenge: Full marathon calls you. The length of time that it takes you to get ready for a marathon depends on how many targeted days of training it requires, which can range anywhere from 16 to 20 weeks, and it helps if you’ve already been running 20 to 25 miles a week before you embark on a marathon training program. 
• If you’ve already completed several marathon races, then you need to try an ultramarathon. These races are endurance races, experience races, and mental strength races – not just the 26.2-mile race. 

Select a distance where you feel just a little bit uncomfortable. That’s usually the perfect distance. 

How many hours is a marathon? 

How long is a marathon in terms of time? That depends on your fitness, training, and race day conditions to determine your finish times. The truth is that: 

The typical recreational runner finishes around 4.5 hrs. Unless a runner is appropriately conditioned and trained, this may have a negative effect. 

It’s okay to walk during a marathon. There will be a lot of runners who change between walking and running, especially in the last few miles. You will not have to run the entire distance of the marathon. 

Factors that can impact on your time include weather, elevation on the course, how well you slept, and how wisely you paced yourself in the first half. Many mistake the first few miles for the easiest, and then become so fast that they end up using too much of their aerobic stores.

How Many Steps and Calories Does a Marathon Burn?

The average person walks 55,000 steps in a marathon!. That, of course, has to do with your stride length and height, but that doesn’t take away from the physical effort involved. 

Regarding calories, most runners burn between 2,500 and 3,000 calories in a marathon. That is the amount of calories an entire day burns for an average person, all this lost during a race! 

Hence, it’s important to be fueled at a marathon. That’s why it’s important to have fuel before and during a marathon, to keep your energy level up during those final miles.

How Long Should You Train for Each Race Distance?

• 5K – 6 to 8 weeks: Run 3 to 4 times a week. Run for short periods and walk for a period of time and slowly build up to running 30 minutes at a time. 
• 10K – 8 to 10 weeks: Add one longer run to be done once a week. At the end of your training, you should be able to run 6-7 miles without stopping. 
• Half Marathon 12-14 weeks: Run 4 days a week, 1 long run on the weekends. These long runs start at 6 miles and go all the way up to 11 or 12 miles before running on race day. 
• Full Marathon 16 to 20 weeks – serious commitment!, At the height of training, you’ll be running five days a week. The longest training run preparation is 20 miles and is usually done two to three weeks before the race. 
• Remember rest days too – they are equally important! Your body is building itself up and making itself stronger at this time. Not giving time for rest and skipping repair days will give you injuries instead of improvements. 

What to Expect on Marathon Race Day

Once you know how long is a marathon, the next question is — what will those miles actually feel like? It’s one thing to know the distance, it’s another to feel it, mile after mile. This is what it’s like to run a marathon from start to finish.

• Miles 1 to 8 — The honeymoon stage: For the sake of ease. You’re in the energy of the crowd, your legs are fresh, and it feels as though you can run for miles and miles! This is where most runners go wrong and take on the pace. By slowing down, it will make a lot of difference later on. Knowing how long is a marathon helps you pace yourself right from the start.
• Miles 9 to 18: Middle Miles: This is the peaceful part of the race. The excitement of the beginning of the race wanes. You start to get in a rhythm, and to concentrate on breathing, your form and how to keep your energy. Be sure not to forget to eat and drink at the aid stations.
• Miles 19 to 26 — The Real Race Begins: Around mile 20, many runners hit what is called ‘the wall.’ Many runners at this point are experiencing what is referred to as “runner’s wall.” Your energy reserves are dwindling, your legs have become like lead and your brain is capable of playing games with you. This is where mental and physical training starts to count. Take those last miles one at a time. 

Crossing a line in a marathon is one of the most tiring experiences for a runner. That is the one moment that a runner lives for.

Conclusion

It is a 26.2 mile distance with historical significance and a distance that is challenging and rewarding for a man to run a marathon. If you’re in the curious-minded category or simply considering running a marathon, knowing how long is a marathon is your first step. You now have a better understanding of what marathon running is like as opposed to running any other distance, and which races may be ideal for you at this time. Train patiently, starting from your level and choosing the distance. The finish line will be there for you when you get there.