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
Oceania Marathon and Half Marathon Championships Oceania Marathon and Half Marathon Championships The Oceania Marathon and Half Marathon Championships are an annual Road running competition organized by the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) for athletes representing the countries of its member associations. They were established in 2008. Races are featured for male and female athletes. The event is held together with the Gold Coast Marathon. The first three open men and women Oceania athletes to finish the Marathon and Half Marathon will be presented with the Oceania Championship medals. Complete results (beginning in 2009) can be found on the Gold Coast Marathon website. The results for 2008