The name "marathon" comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier who, according to legend, was sent from
the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been miraculously defeated in the Battle of Marathon.
It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping, but moments after proclaiming his message to the city,
he collapsed dead.
The marathon is a long-distance road running event of 42.195 km.
More than 800 annual marathons are organized in most countries around the world. Some of the largest and most prestigious races are taking place
in Boston, New York City, Chicago, London and Berlin.
