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
Des Moines Marathon neighborhoods. "The IMT Des Moines Marathon is all about community; the community of volunteers, race committee, and the great city of Des Moines that embraces this awesome event. The IMT Des Moines Marathon is a perfect size event with 9,000 runners. Large enough that you have plenty of runners to run with but small enough that you feel like you're part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon family," said Bart Yasso, Runner's World Chief Running Officer. The first running of the marathon was held in 2002. More than 9,000 athletes participated in the 2013 races. Des Moines Marathon The IMT