Why Does Almost Everyone Want to Run a Marathon?

The marathon, an iconic event with a long history

The origins of the marathon date back to 490 BC. At that time, on the beaches of Marathon in Greece, Athenian and Plataean soldiers faced Persian forces that had just landed. After a resounding Greek victory, a messenger named Pheidippides (or Philippides) was tasked with taking the news to Athens. He had to cover around 40 kilometres. Shortly after completing his mission, exhausted, he collapsed. While the accounts vary, the story of his courage and journey, linked to the Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon, gave rise to the marathon event nearly 3,000 years later.

Beyond the myth, the marathon has become a prestigious event. 42.195 km, to be precise. The discipline is the star of the Olympic Games. Whenever the world record is challenged, the entire world watches the race. Thousands of marathons are held across the globe every year. With their inclusive, festive atmosphere, these events welcome runners from every background, from beginners to elite athletes, chasing a personal goal or a record, running as part of a group or going it alone. The most iconic distance in running brings people together, embodies the drive to push beyond their limits and demands perseverance.

What motivates marathon runners

If several million people line up for a marathon every year, there must be plenty of reasons that draw them to the distance. Ask a group of marathoners why they signed up and you’ll hear all kinds of answers.

Taking on the iconic distance

Because it’s a legend, people want to take it on. For many runners, the history and prestige of the marathon are what finally prompt them to sign up. If you’re passionate about running, you may have moved from the 10K to the half marathon. Then, once you’ve conquered the half, the next step feels obvious: take on the full distance. Because it’s iconic. Because the distance captures the imagination. Because the marathon is a one-of-a-kind challenge, a kind of Holy Grail for recreational and experienced runners alike. Let’s be honest: some people sign up simply so they can say, “I’m a marathon finisher!” and proudly hold up their medal. And quite right too. Running 42.195 km is no ordinary achievement. Among elite athletes, the distance is every bit as daunting: the length of the effort, the intensity, the muscle pain and that famous “marathon wall”. Those are the hurdles to clear before completing this unique sporting adventure.

The group effect and an unmatched atmosphere

It often happens among friends, during a night out that gets a little too boozy, that we challenge each other. Running a marathon is one of those challenges. Plenty of runners find themselves on the start line of the ultimate distance thanks to, or perhaps because of, their friends. Caught up in the group dynamic and the pressure, they give in and pick up a race bib. They’re stepping into the unknown, but together. There’s strength in numbers! Taking part in a marathon is a bit like going to a party, except your legs hurt more than your head the next morning. Depending on the event, you’ll find an unmatched atmosphere, bands every few kilometres, a roaring crowd and a final straight packed with emotion. Running a marathon is a form of travel. You discover somewhere new, or see your hometown in a different light, while sharing the effort with complete strangers. Major cities now host marathons in the same league as New York, Paris, Tokyo and London. That’s another reason people choose to run a marathon.

Pushing beyond your limits

Running a marathon is a major personal achievement. For many, it’s a way to prove they can see a long, demanding effort through to the end. Because getting through 42.195 km means, above all, going all the way into yourself. The effort calls for physical and mental strength to make it through the marathon’s emotional roller coaster. In the opening kilometres, your legs and breathing let you settle into a comfortable rhythm. Gradually, your mind takes over as your body starts to tire. The 30th kilometre and the famous “marathon wall” are a defining moment in the race. Dropping out can seem tempting. For those who make it through and reach the finish line, it’s a genuine moment of pride. The marathon is also a school of life, teaching self-belief, determination, commitment and discipline. Yes, marathon training is an event in itself. It unfolds over several weeks. Future marathoners step outside their comfort zone from the very first sessions and have to push through the tough days. With a touch of boldness, plenty of determination and a whole lot of courage, it can be done.

Running for a cause or a personal project

More and more marathons give runners the chance to stand up for a cause. These events are created and organised to support charities, raise awareness of an issue or raise funds. They combine physical effort with a commitment to solidarity. For some runners, that’s what gets them to the start line and pushes them to go further. During registration for certain marathons, runners can choose a charity bib. Part of the entry fee is then donated to a charity. The Paris Marathon is one example. These races bring sport and solidarity together, giving individual effort a greater sense of purpose.

For others, the marathon becomes the centrepiece of an entire project. A personal challenge driven by any number of reasons, from stepping outside their comfort zone to living a unique experience. Some runners take on a marathon to celebrate an important date. For others, it’s the ultimate goal after a period of getting back into shape. Every marathoner finds their own reasons for deciding to take on the ultimate distance.

A challenge open to everyone

No, the marathon isn’t reserved for elite athletes. It’s open to anyone determined to make it to the finish. Road races, and marathons in particular, are events for everyone. A few figures make that clear. According to a 2024 study by RunRepeat, the average marathoner completes 42.195 km in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 33 seconds. That works out at a pace of 9.5 km/h, well behind the world’s best. The study is based on a substantial sample, with RunRepeat collecting 35 million race results.

With several thousand marathons held around the world every year, everyone can find an event close to home, which is handy. Organisers set up starting corrals, with runners heading off in waves based on ability so they can run alongside people with broadly similar goals. Motivation and mutual support guaranteed. Everyone is free to prepare in their own way and set their own target, whether that means a time, a finishing position or simply making it to the finish.

So why run a marathon? There are almost as many answers as there are runners. It’s up to you to find the reason that will drive you to train for a marathon. Beyond the performance, running a marathon is above all a human adventure and an unforgettable source of pride.