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
Walt Disney World Marathon because of USA Track & Field lightning policy, anticipated lightning and a lack of necessary shelter on course should it be required during the race. All registered half marathon runners received their half marathon medals. In November 2012, Glass Slipper Concierge travel specialist and avid runner Megan Biller began publishing a yearly "Runner's Guide to Walt Disney World" entitled "Magical Miles" through runWDW, LLC, "offering advice on resorts, restaurants, race registration, packing tips, spectator information, training, race day information and much more." In January 2016, Matthew Dobson, the first American male to win the Marathon, self-published a book titled "How