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The Marathon Distance
Age 10 · History
A Greek messenger is said to have run from one town to another with news. Long after, a race in London ended in front of a royal box, and that course helped set the marathon’s 42.195-kilometre distance.
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Age 10: open this week
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In the picture
- A runner in a short tunic and sandals: the ancient messenger from the Greek legend.
- A stony road between two walled towns: the route of the ancient story.
- A white dotted line: the path from the ancient road to the modern stadium track.
- A white line across a stadium track: the finish of the 1908 London race that led to the standard marathon distance.
Examples
- A school fun run may be 5 km, much shorter than a marathon.
- In a city race, runners start together and finish at one marked line.
Key takeaways
- The marathon distance comes from an ancient Greek legend and a 1908 London race.
- In 1921, 42.195 kilometres became the official marathon distance.
Quiz: The Marathon Distance (Age 10)
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What two things helped create the marathon’s 42.195-kilometre distance?
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In which year did 42.195 kilometres become the official marathon distance?
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In the ancient Greek legend, what did the messenger do?
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