Key Takeaways
- A marathon is 26.2 miles (26 miles 385 yards) or 42.195 kilometers—the official global standard set by World Athletics in 1921.
- The exact distance traces to the 1908 London Olympic course; today’s certified courses ensure at least 42.195 km using strict measurement and a short-course prevention factor.
- Handy conversions: ~138,435 feet, ~46,145 yards, or about 105.5 laps of a 400 m track; a half marathon is exactly half (13.1 miles/21.0975 km).
- Typical finish times: many first-timers run 4:30–6:00; elites run near 2:00–2:15, with world records at 2:00:35 (men) and 2:11:53 (women).
- GPS watches may show slight variances (e.g., 42.3–42.6 km) due to tangents and signal drift; official results rely on certified course measurement.
I used to think a marathon was just really far. Then I saw those mile markers stretch on and I had to know the number. If you have the same question you’re not alone. The answer is simple yet it carries a lot of meaning for runners and fans alike.
In this quick guide I’ll share the official marathon distance and why it matters. I’ll touch on where that number comes from and how it feels when you chase it step by step. You’ll see how it stacks up against other race lengths too. Whether you’re planning your first finish line or just curious it’s a fun fact to keep in your back pocket. Spoiler alert it’s 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers.
How Long Is A Marathon?
A marathon equals 26.2 miles. A marathon measures 26 miles 385 yards, or 42.195 kilometers. World Athletics set this exact course length in 1921, based on earlier Olympic courses, and keeps it as the global standard today (World Athletics, Boston Athletic Association).
Official marathon distance facts
- Convert the marathon distance to 26.2 miles, 42.195 km, 138,435 feet.
- Visualize the marathon distance as about 105.5 laps on a 400 m track, or 4.2 laps around a 10 km loop.
- Compare the marathon distance to halves, 13.1 miles, and ultras, 50 km, 100 km, 100 miles.
- Pace the marathon distance with splits, like 7:38 per mile for a 3:20 finish, or 8:00 per mile for a 3:29:12.
Marathon distance by units and comparisons
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Miles | 26.2188 mi |
| Miles, rounded | 26.2 mi |
| Kilometers | 42.195 km |
| Yards | 46,145 yd |
| Feet | 138,435 ft |
| Track laps, 400 m | ~105.5 laps |
| Half marathons | 2 x 13.109 mi |
| Common paces, finish times | 7:15/mi → 3:09:53, 8:00/mi → 3:29:12, 9:00/mi → 3:55:48 |
Sources
- World Athletics, Competition Rules, road race course measurement, marathon distance, 1921 standard
- Boston Athletic Association, Marathon FAQs and course facts
The Official Marathon Distance
The official marathon distance is 26 miles 385 yards or 42.195 kilometers. I follow the World Athletics standard that fixes this length for all certified road races.
Miles And Kilometers
I state the marathon distance in both imperial and metric units for clarity. I include exact values and practical equivalents.
| Unit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kilometers | 42.195 km | World Athletics Technical Rules |
| Miles | 26.2188 mi | NIST conversion 1 mi = 1.609344 km |
| Meters | 42,195 m | World Athletics Technical Rules |
| Yards | 46,145 yd | NIST definition 1 yd = 0.9144 m |
| Feet | 138,435 ft | NIST definition 1 ft = 0.3048 m |
| 400 m track laps | 105.49 laps | Calculation 42,195 ÷ 400 |
I use 26.2 miles in casual text for readability, and I use 26 miles 385 yards for precision.
Why It’s Exactly 42.195 Km
I trace the exact length to early Olympic courses, then to the global rule that locked it. The 1908 London Olympic route ran from Windsor Castle to White City Stadium and measured 26 miles 385 yards according to the official report. The International Amateur Athletic Federation, now World Athletics, adopted 42.195 km as the marathon standard in 1921 based on those established courses and later codified it in the technical rules. I reference the IOC report for the 1908 course details and World Athletics for the uniform distance used today.
- Evidence: IOC 1908 Official Report on the London Marathon route and finish line position at the royal box [International Olympic Committee archive].
- Standard: World Athletics competition rules specifying the marathon distance as 42.195 km for sanctioning and records [World Athletics Technical Rules].
A Quick History Of The Marathon Distance
I trace the modern answer to how long is a marathon through a few fixed milestones.
- 490 BCE: Greeks told the Marathon-to-Athens messenger story, later writers like Plutarch and Lucian shaped the legend, Herodotus described a different run to Sparta (Britannica).
- 1896: Athens hosted the first modern Olympic marathon at about 40 km, organizers modeled it on the ancient route to answer how long is a marathon for the Games (IOC).
- 1908: London mapped Windsor Castle to White City Stadium then to the Royal Box, the course measured 26 miles 385 yards, crowds loved the finish spectacle (Olympic Museum).
- 1909–1920: Race directors used varied lengths, examples include 25 miles and 40.2 km, confusion persisted across cities and championships (World Athletics).
- 1921: The IAAF fixed 42.195 km as the global standard, officials referenced the 1908 course and codified how long is a marathon for records and championships (World Athletics).
I reference the following primary data points that define the distance.
| Year | Event or Rule | Distance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Athens Olympic marathon | ~40 km | IOC Olympic Studies Centre |
| 1908 | London Olympic marathon | 26 miles 385 yards | Olympic Museum |
| 1909–1920 | Various marathons | 25–26.5 miles, 40–42.75 km | World Athletics |
| 1921 | IAAF standardization | 42.195 km | World Athletics Competition Rules |
I connect the 1908 course to today’s exact figure. The 26 miles 385 yards route created a template, the IAAF in 1921 converted that legacy to 42.195 km to settle the how long is a marathon question for timing, records, and course certification.
How It Compares To Other Race Distances
Marathon length sits at 26.2 miles or 42.195 km, so I anchor every comparison to that fixed standard. I reference World Athletics and the IAU for official distances and definitions.
5K, 10K, And Half Marathon
I compare common road races, for example 5K, 10K, and the half marathon, directly to the marathon distance that World Athletics set in 1921.
| Race | Kilometers | Miles | 400 m Track Laps | Share of Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5.000 | 3.107 | 12.5 | 0.118 |
| 10K | 10.000 | 6.214 | 25.0 | 0.237 |
| Half Marathon | 21.0975 | 13.109 | 52.74 | 0.500 |
| Marathon | 42.195 | 26.219 | 105.48 | 1.000 |
- Distances use World Athletics road standards, for example 5 km, 10 km, 21.0975 km, and 42.195 km (World Athletics Competition Rules).
- Conversions use exact factors, for example 1 mile equals 1.609344 km and 1 lap equals 400 m on a standard track.
- Fractions show effort scale, for example a half marathon measures exactly half of how long a marathon is by distance.
Sources: World Athletics Book of Rules TR5 Road Races, World Athletics Measurement Handbook
Ultramarathons
I define ultramarathons as any race longer than a marathon, and I list common benchmarks that the International Association of Ultrarunners recognizes.
| Ultra Type | Kilometers | Miles | Common Format | Example Labels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | 50 | 31.07 | Road or trail | IAU 50K |
| 50 Mile | 80.47 | 50.00 | Trail or road | IAU Bronze races |
| 100K | 100 | 62.14 | Road or trail | IAU 100K World Championships |
| 100 Mile | 160.93 | 100.00 | Trail dominant | IAU Silver races |
| 24 Hour | Varies | Varies | Fixed time loop | IAU 24H World Championships |
- Categories extend the answer to how long a marathon is, for example 50K exceeds marathon length by 7.805 km.
- Formats vary by terrain, for example road circuits, track loops, and mountain trails.
- Championships use IAU standards, for example 100K and 24H world events.
How Long It Takes To Run A Marathon
I frame marathon time as pace multiplied by distance. I align expectations to field depth and course profile.
Average And Median Finish Times
I track global benchmarks before personal goals. I reference broad datasets for reliable context.
| Group | Average Finish Time | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide overall | 4:32:49 | RunRepeat, The State of Running https://runrepeat.com/state-of-running | 2018 |
| Men worldwide | 4:15:13 | RunRepeat, The State of Running https://runrepeat.com/state-of-running | 2018 |
| Women worldwide | 4:42:33 | RunRepeat, The State of Running https://runrepeat.com/state-of-running | 2018 |
- Median: I use median to describe the middle finisher if times skew right in mass events.
- Median: I expect median to trend slightly faster than average in deep fields with many late finishers.
- Median: I check event reports for exact values, for example London Marathon or NYC Marathon race summaries.
- Examples: I compare big city marathons like London, Berlin, Chicago to smaller regional races for context.
- Examples: I note course elevation, weather, and start corrals when interpreting medians and averages.
Elite Versus Recreational Runners
I separate elite standards from recreational benchmarks to set clear training targets.
| Tier | Women | Men | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| World record | 2:11:53 Tigst Assefa, Berlin 2023 | 2:00:35 Kelvin Kiptum, Chicago 2023 | World Athletics records https://worldathletics.org/records |
| Olympic entry standard Paris 2024 | 2:26:50 | 2:08:10 | World Athletics standards https://worldathletics.org/competitions/olympic-games/ |
| Boston qualifying 18–34 | 3:30:00 | 3:00:00 | Boston Athletic Association https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify |
- Elite: I expect major winners to run 2:14–2:18 for women, 2:03–2:06 for men on fast courses.
- Sub-elite: I see competitive club athletes finish around 2:30–3:00 for men, 2:45–3:15 for women.
- Recreational: I see most first-timers finish in 4:30–6:00 with structured plans and consistent long runs.
- Pacing: I align marathon pace to recent half marathon results using 4–6% slowdown as a rule of thumb if conditions match.
- Context: I adjust targets for heat, hills, and congestion to estimate how long a marathon takes on race day.
Sources: World Athletics, Boston Athletic Association, RunRepeat State of Running 2019.
Measurement, Courses, And Variations
Marathon measurement stays fixed at 26 miles 385 yards, but how organizers measure courses and how devices record distance creates small variations. I connect the official standard to what I see on a watch and to what affects effort on race day.
Certified Courses And GPS Differences
Certified courses use standardized methods that target precision, then add safeguards to prevent a short course. I reference the same system that World Athletics and national federations apply to major races.
- Calibration: Bicycle, Jones Counter, and a steel-tape–verified calibration course set the counter’s counts-per-kilometer, then measurers re-check after riding the course (World Athletics/AIMS Measurement Handbook).
- Line: Shortest Possible Route, including tangents across turns, defines the measurement path, then paint marks or nails fix the line in the field (USATF Course Certification).
- Factor: Short Course Prevention Factor adds 0.10% to the measured length, then certification confirms at least 42.195 km even under small errors (World Athletics/AIMS).
- Documentation: Map, split sheets, and start/finish coordinates support verification, then sanctions recognize the course for records and qualifications (USATF, World Athletics).
I track different numbers on GPS units because consumer GNSS smooths paths, samples infrequently, and loses accuracy near buildings or trees. I expect small overshoots on curves if I don’t run perfect tangents.
| Item | Standard/Typical Value | Context | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official marathon distance | 42.195 km | Global standard since 1921 | World Athletics |
| Short Course Prevention Factor | +0.10% | Added to measured length | AIMS/World Athletics Handbook |
| GPS horizontal accuracy | ~4.9 m (16 ft) at 95% | Open sky, civilian service | GPS.gov (U.S. Gov) |
| Record-eligible line | Shortest Possible Route | Tangents across turns | USATF/AIMS |
| Common participant recording | 42.3–42.6 km | Tangents + GPS drift | Race timing analyses, device docs |
I reconcile watch readings with certification by checking course maps for tangents, avoiding weaving, and placing auto-laps on manual markers when the route posts accurate kilometer or mile boards.
Sources: World Athletics/AIMS Measurement Handbook, USATF Course Certification Program, GPS.gov “GPS Accuracy”.
Elevation, Terrain, And Conditions
Elevation, terrain, and conditions change both record eligibility and pacing targets. I plan expectations by tying the course profile and weather to known effects.
- Elevation: Net drop must not exceed 1 m per km, and start–finish separation must not exceed 50% of the race distance, then performances count for records and rankings; Boston’s net drop (~136 m) and point-to-point layout make it ineligible despite fast times (World Athletics Road Records Rules).
- Terrain: Asphalt and concrete yield faster times than gravel or cobbles, then energy cost rises on softer or irregular surfaces; camber and repeated sharp turns add seconds through braking and re-acceleration (World Athletics Road Race Labels guidance).
- Weather: Air temperature near 5–12°C (41–54°F) correlates with fastest fields, then hotter or very cold conditions slow results; studies report performance declines as temperature climbs above ~10°C, with compounded effects from humidity and solar load (Helou et al., 2012; Ely et al., 2007).
- Wind: Sustained tailwinds aid speed on point-to-point routes, then record rules still disallow such courses; crosswinds and headwinds increase cost, especially on exposed waterfronts or bridges (World Athletics rules; environmental physiology literature).
| Factor | Threshold/Range | Typical Impact | Example/Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net elevation drop | ≤1.0 m/km | Record eligibility gate | ≤42.195 m total drop | World Athletics |
| Start–finish separation | ≤50% of race distance | Record eligibility gate | ≤21.0975 km apart | World Athletics |
| Boston Marathon drop | ~136 m | Fast, not record-eligible | Point-to-point >50% | B.A.A., World Athletics |
| Optimal air temp | ~5–12°C | Fastest population means | Slower as temp rises | Helou 2012, Ely 2007 |
| Surface hardness | Asphalt/concrete faster | Lower energy loss | Trails/cobbles slower | WA Labels guidance |
I adjust pacing on hilly or hot courses by targeting effort on climbs, using even effort on descents, and hydrating to match conditions if organizers provide aid every 2–3 miles.
Training And Pacing Implications
Marathon length drives training load and race pace, since 26.2 miles tests glycogen, hydration, and muscle durability. I match pacing to recent results, course profile, and weather.
Pace Charts And Fueling
Pace charts anchor marathon pace to finish time, recent fitness, and terrain. I set goal pace from a verified half marathon, flat course, and cool conditions.
- Set marathon pace from half marathon pace plus 15–25 s per mile, flat course example
- Set early miles 5–10 s slower than goal pace, crowded start example
- Set hills by effort not speed, uphill easy and downhill controlled
- Set aid plan by station spacing, typical 1–2 miles between tables
Pace examples, fueling ranges, and race day dosing follow established guidance.
| Target | Pace per mile | Pace per km | Carbs g per hour | Fluids L per hour | Sodium mg per hour | Caffeine mg per kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:00 | 6:52 | 4:16 | 60–90 | 0.4–0.8 | 300–600 | 3–6 |
| 3:30 | 8:00 | 4:58 | 60–90 | 0.4–0.8 | 300–600 | 3–6 |
| 4:00 | 9:09 | 5:41 | 60–90 | 0.4–0.8 | 300–600 | 3–6 |
| 4:30 | 10:18 | 6:24 | 60–90 | 0.4–0.8 | 300–600 | 3–6 |
| 5:00 | 11:27 | 7:07 | 60–90 | 0.4–0.8 | 300–600 | 3–6 |
- Practice carb intake at marathon pace, long run example
- Practice caffeine timing in training, 45–60 min pre race and small top ups
- Practice bottle grabs and gel openings, aid station example
Evidence sources: ACSM position stand on nutrition for athletic performance 2016 and 2018 update, carbohydrate 60–90 g per hour for events beyond 2.5 h, fluid 0.4–0.8 L per hour, sodium personalized based on sweat loss (ACSM, 2016, 2018). IOC consensus on supplementation, caffeine 3–6 mg per kg enhances endurance performance (IOC 2018). Even pacing or slight negative split improves outcomes on flat courses, large city marathon analyses report better finish times with ≤1–2 percent positive split (London Marathon reports, World Athletics Research Digest 2019).
References:
- https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/publications/acsm-position-stands/nutrition-and-athletic-performance.pdf
- https://www.olympics.com/athlete365/medical/consensus-statement-dietary-supplements/
- https://worldathletics.org/about-iaaf/documents/research-centre
Tapering And Recovery
Tapering trims volume while keeping intensity, since fresh legs protect marathon pace. I reduce weekly mileage and keep race pace strides.
- Reduce volume by 40–60 percent over 14–21 days, long run cut last 2 weeks
- Retain intensity with 2 short sessions per week, 5–10 min at marathon pace blocks
- Retain frequency for neuromuscular rhythm, easy runs short and relaxed
Meta analysis and elite practice support a 2–3 week taper with 41 percent average volume reduction and maintained intensity for endurance events, marathon included (Mujika and Padilla, 2003).
Recovery unfolds across muscle, tendon, and energy systems. I plan rest days and light cross training.
| Marker | Peak change | Typical restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle soreness | 24–72 h | 5–7 days |
| Creatine kinase | 24–48 h | 5–7 days |
| Neuromuscular function | 24–72 h | 7–10 days |
| Glycogen stores | 24 h | 48–72 h |
| Running economy | 48–96 h | 7–14 days |
- Start easy walks and light mobility day 1–2, no hard efforts
- Start easy jogs 20–40 min day 3–7, soft surfaces helpful
- Start structured running after 10–14 days, no pain present
- Start faster work after 14–21 days, fatigue low and sleep stable
Evidence sources: marathon muscle damage and CK kinetics 5–7 days, neuromuscular recovery 7–10 days, glycogen resynthesis within 48–72 h with adequate carbohydrate 8–12 g per kg per day, taper meta analysis 41 percent volume reduction with maintained intensity improves endurance performance 2–3 percent on average (Mujika and Padilla 2003, Paulsen et al 2014, Burke et al 2011).
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12704790/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24791915/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23075549/
Conclusion
If this guide sparked your curiosity then take the next small step today. Pick a race that excites you. Sketch a simple plan. Tell a friend so you have a partner in the journey. Little choices stack up fast.
I always remind myself to keep the process playful. Train smart. Practice fueling. Sleep well. Trust your routine. Race day rewards consistency more than perfection.
When you cross that finish line take a breath and soak it in. You earned it. Then write a few notes on what worked and what you would tweak. Your next start line will feel even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official distance of a marathon?
A marathon is officially 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers. This precise measurement equals 26 miles 385 yards, set by World Athletics (formerly IAAF) in 1921 and based on the 1908 London Olympic course. It’s the global standard for certified races and records.
Why is it 26.2 miles and not a round number?
The 26.2-mile distance comes from the 1908 London Olympic marathon, which measured 26 miles 385 yards. In 1921, World Athletics standardized this to 42.195 km for consistency across races and record-keeping.
How many laps on a track is a marathon?
On a standard 400 m track, a marathon is roughly 105.5 laps. For accuracy, events use certified road courses rather than tracks to match the official 42.195 km distance.
How many feet is a marathon?
A marathon is about 138,435 feet. This is another way to express the official distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 km).
What’s the difference between a marathon and a half marathon?
A marathon is 26.2 miles (42.195 km). A half marathon is 13.1 miles (21.0975 km), exactly half the marathon distance. Training load, fueling, and pacing demands are significantly higher for the marathon.
How does a marathon compare to 5K and 10K races?
- 5K: 3.1 miles, about 12.5 laps on a 400 m track.
- 10K: 6.2 miles, about 25 laps.
- Marathon: 26.2 miles, about 105.5 laps.
Each step up requires more endurance, fueling, and pacing control.
What is an ultramarathon?
An ultramarathon is any race longer than 26.2 miles. Common benchmarks include 50K, 100K, 50 miles, 100 miles, and timed events like 12- or 24-hour races. Terrains vary from road to trail, affecting pacing and strategy.
What are typical marathon finish times?
Globally, the average marathon finish time is around 4:32:49. Men average roughly 4:15 and women about 4:42. Most first-timers finish between 4:30 and 6:00, depending on training, course, and weather.
What are elite marathon times and standards?
Elite men often run 2:03–2:06 on fast courses; elite women 2:14–2:18. World records are faster. Competitive standards include Olympic entry times and Boston Qualifying (BQ) times, which vary by age and sex.
How do I estimate my marathon pace?
Start with recent race results (ideally a half marathon), then adjust for course profile and conditions. Use pace charts that link goal finish time to per-mile or per-kilometer pace. Practice goal pace in long runs.
Why does my GPS watch show more than 26.2 miles?
GPS drift, tangents, and signal issues often add distance. Certified courses are measured with calibrated methods to ensure at least 42.195 km. Your watch reading can exceed the official distance without the course being long.
How are marathon courses certified?
Certifiers use a calibrated bicycle and standardized procedures, adding a short-course prevention factor to ensure the course isn’t short. Certification verifies the exact 42.195 km distance for records and qualifiers.
Do elevation and terrain affect marathon times?
Yes. Downhill courses can be faster but may be ineligible for records or qualifiers if elevation drop exceeds limits. Hills, heat, wind, humidity, and surface (road vs. trail) all influence pacing and finish time.
What’s the best fueling strategy for a marathon?
Aim for 30–60 grams of carbs per hour (up to ~90 g if well-trained), plus regular hydration and electrolytes as needed. Practice your fueling in long runs to avoid GI issues on race day.
How should I taper before a marathon?
Reduce weekly mileage by about 20–40% for 2–3 weeks while keeping some intensity. Prioritize sleep, fueling, and mental prep. The goal is to arrive fresh without losing sharpness.
How long does marathon recovery take?
Expect peak soreness 24–72 hours post-race. Easy movement helps. Glycogen replenishes within 24–48 hours with proper nutrition; neuromuscular recovery can take 1–2 weeks. Return to running gradually over 1–3 weeks.
Is 26.2 miles the only accepted way to say the marathon distance?
Yes and no. The precise official measurement is 26 miles 385 yards or 42.195 km. “26.2 miles” is widely used for readability, but both refer to the same standardized distance.