History
The marathon is a long-distance foot race with an official distance of 26 miles
385 yards that is usually run as a road race. The event is named after the
fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of
Marathon to Athens. The historical accuracy of this legend is in doubt,
contradicted by accounts given by Herodotus, in particular.
The marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events in 1896, though
the distance did not become standardized until 1921. More than 800 marathons
are contested throughout the world each year, with the vast majority of
competitors being recreational athletes. Larger marathons can have tens of
thousands of participants.
Top Ten Marathons
1.
Boston Marathon
2.
New York Marathon
3.
Honolulu Marathon
4.
Chicago Marathon
5.
Walt Disney World Marathon (Orlando, Florida)
6.
San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon
7.
Maui Marathon
8.
Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, D.C. Area)
9.
Grandma's Marathon (Duluth, Minnesota)
10.
St. George Marathon (St. George Utah)
Other Top Marathons List
11.
Houston Marathon
12.
Mardi Gras Marathon (New Orleans, Louisiana)
13.
Napa Valley Marathon (Napa, California)
14.
Vermont City Marathon (Burlington, Vermont)
15.
National Capital Marathon (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
16.
Philadelphia Marathon
17.
Portland Marathon (Portland, Oregon)
18.
Big Sur International Marathon (Big Sur to Carmel, California)
19.
Seattle Marathon
20.
Twin Cities Marathon (Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota)
21.
San Francisco Marathon
22.
Myrtle Beach Marathon (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
23.
Grandfather Mountain Marathon (Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina)
24.
Las Vegas Rock n Roll Marathon (previously Las Vegas International Marathon)
25.
Atlanta Marathon
This listing of the Top Ten Marathons is constantly being revised as old marathon races become more
popular and as new races start. So, if you feel we are missing one, please email us and let us know!