Marathon

Definition

A long-distance running race, specifically one covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers or approximately 26.2 miles.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛrəˌθɑn/
• Respelling: MARE-uh-thon (with "MARE" as in "mare," "uh" as in "sofa," and "thon" as in "thon")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmærəθən/
• Respelling: MAH-ruh-thun (with "MAH" as in "cat," "ruh" as in "sofa," and "thun" as in "thunder")

In both dialects, "marathon" places the primary stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation is slightly different, with "MARE-uh-thon" in American English and "MAH-ruh-thun" in British English.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek story of the Battle of Marathon. Legend holds that a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from the city of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a military victory, and then died from exhaustion.

Derivatives

• Marathoner
• Marathon-like
• Marathon-running
• Marathon training
• Mini-marathon

Synonyms

• Long-distance race
• Endurance race
• 42k run

Antonyms

• Sprint
• Dash
• Short race

Usage

• She is training hard for the upcoming Boston Marathon.
• Completing a marathon is on his bucket list.

Related Terms

• Runner
• Pace
• Half-marathon
• Ultra-marathon
• Race

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A footrace that covers a distance of 42.195 kilometers or about 26.2 miles, often run as a road race.
• Example: The New York City Marathon attracts thousands of participants from all over the world.

• An event or activity that lasts an unusually long time or requires great effort and endurance.
• Example: The movie marathon lasted all day, with fans watching all the sequels back-to-back.

• A long and demanding activity in a particular field or domain.
• Example: The team went on a coding marathon to finish the project on time.