Physiology of marathons certain physiological characteristics of marathon runners exist. The differing efficiency of certain physiological features in marathon runners evidence the variety of finishing times among elite marathon runners that share similarities in many physiological characteristics. Aside from large aerobic capacities and other biochemical mechanisms, external factors such as the environment and proper nourishment of a marathon runner can further the insight as to why marathon performance is variable despite ideal physiological characteristics obtained by a runner. The first marathon ever run was an unintentional 25 mile trek performed by Pheidippides. Pheidippides was a Greek soldier who ran to Athens from the
Cardiff Marathon Cardiff Marathon The Cardiff Marathon was an annual marathon race held in Cardiff from 1981 to 2006. The first race was held on 20 September 1981, with over 4000 competitors, and among the competitors was Justin Chaston, who was later an Olympic athlete. The event was called the Western Mail Marathon from 1981 to 1986, and started and finished at the Civic Centre. The first winner was Bernie Plain. (In 1981 there was no minimum age restriction of 18, so a few of the runners were younger - including Mark Murray (12) Michael Nesbitt (12), Justin Chaston, Allyn Carter(12) and