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Marathon: meaning, definitions and examples

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marathon

[ ˈmær.ə.θɒn ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

long distance running

A marathon is a long-distance running race with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.219 miles). It is usually run as a road race, but the distance can also be covered on trails. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens.

Synonyms

26.2, long-distance race, race.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
marathon	This word is used to specifically describe a running event that covers a distance of 42.195 kilometers or 26.2 miles. It can also be used metaphorically to describe any long and demanding task. He trained for months to run the Boston Marathon The negotiations turned into a marathon session lasting all night
race	A broad term used to refer to any competitive running event, regardless of distance. It can be a short sprint or a long endurance race. She won the 100-meter race at the school sports day The marathon is just one type of race he participates in
long-distance race	This term is more general and can refer to any race that covers a significant distance, typically including but not limited to marathons. It can also include races like half-marathons, ultra-marathons, or other endurance events. He prefers running long-distance races over shorter sprints The athlete specialized in long-distance races and competed internationally
26.2	This is a shorthand used mainly by runners and running enthusiasts to refer to the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles. It is less formal and more likely to be used in casual conversations or among people familiar with running terminology. She has a '26 2' sticker on her car to show she completed a marathon After running 26 2 miles, he felt an incredible sense of achievement

Examples of usage

The New York City Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in the world.
She trained hard for months to prepare for the marathon.
Completing a marathon is a significant achievement for any runner.
Many people participate in marathons to raise money for charity.
His goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon next year.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

extended or sustained effort

In a figurative sense, a marathon can refer to any extended or sustained effort that requires endurance and perseverance. It is often used in contexts outside of running to describe long and demanding tasks or activities.

Synonyms

endurance test, grind, long haul.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
marathon	Best used to describe an actual long-distance running race or to metaphorically describe any prolonged and demanding activity. She completed her first marathon in under four hours. The negotiations turned into a marathon that lasted all night.
endurance test	Used to describe an activity or situation that challenges one's ability to withstand stress, pain, or a prolonged period of effort. The military training was an endurance test for all the recruits. The deadline project became an endurance test for the entire team.
long haul	Used to describe something that takes a long time to complete and often requires sustained effort. It is often used in the context of journeys or long-term projects. Building a successful business is definitely a long haul. She knew that losing weight would be a long haul but was committed to the process.
grind	Used to describe a repetitive, boring, or difficult task that requires a lot of effort to complete. Often has a negative connotation. He found studying for exams to be a real grind. The daily grind of commuting to work was taking its toll on her.

Examples of usage

She embarked on a marathon study session before the exam.
The project turned into a marathon of meetings and deadlines.
It felt like a mental marathon to get through all the paperwork.
The negotiations turned into a marathon session that lasted all night.
After a marathon day at work, she was exhausted.

Translations

Translations of the word "marathon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maratona

🇮🇳 मैरेटन

🇩🇪 Marathon

🇮🇩 maraton

🇺🇦 марафон

🇵🇱 maraton

🇯🇵 マラソン (marason)

🇫🇷 marathon

🇪🇸 maratón

🇹🇷 maraton

🇰🇷 마라톤 (maraton)

🇸🇦 ماراثون (marathon)

🇨🇿 maraton

🇸🇰 maratón

🇨🇳 马拉松 (mǎlāsōng)

🇸🇮 maraton

🇮🇸 maraþon

🇰🇿 марафон

🇬🇪 მარათონი (maratoni)

🇦🇿 marafon

🇲🇽 maratón

Etymology

The word 'marathon' originated from the legend of Pheidippides, the Greek soldier who is said to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to bring news of the victory over the Persians. The modern marathon race was inspired by this myth and was first introduced as an event in the 1896 Athens Olympic Games. Since then, the marathon has become one of the most iconic and challenging endurance races in the world, attracting thousands of participants and spectators each year.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,112, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20109 interlude
20110 narcissistic
20111 criminally
20112 marathon
20113 plausibly
20114 rudeness
20115 hilarious
...