Marathon Marathon The marathon is a long-distance race, completed by running, walking, or a run/walk strategy. There are also wheelchair divisions. The marathon has an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 miles; 26 miles 385 yards), 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 to Athens, who reported the victory. The marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events in 1896, though the distance did not become standardized until 1921. More than 800 marathons are held throughout the world each
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