The marathon is an athletics competition in which athletes cover a distance of 42 kilometers 195 meters.
Races can take place in completely different locations, from the highway to rugged terrain. Distances can also differ if we are talking about a non-classical form. Let us analyze all the nuances associated with the race in more detail.
History
The history of the competition can be divided into two periods:
- Antiquity
- Modernity
The first mentions come down to the ancient legend of the warrior Phidippis. After the battle near the city of Marathon, he ran to his native Athens, announced his triumph and died.
The first games took place in 1896, where participants ran from the Marathon to Athens. The organizers were Michel Breal and Pierre Coubertin. The winner of the first men's competition was Spiridon Luis, who ran in 3 hours 18 minutes. The first women's races took place only in 1984.
Distance information
Distance
As noted above, the race distance is about 42 km. Over time, the length changed, since it was not fixed.
For example, in 1908 in London the distance was 42 kilometers and 195 meters, in 1912 it was 40.2 kilometers. The final length was established in 1921, which was 42 km and 195 m.
Running a marathon
In addition to the distance, the distance is subject to requirements that relate to the following points:
- Climatic conditions
- Comfort
- Safety
- Specialized assistance points at a distance
The organizers are obliged to ensure complete safety and comfort for the participants in the race. The distance can be along highways, cycle paths or footpaths.
For every 5 kilometers of the path, there should be special points where the athlete can catch his breath, drink water or relieve himself, since runners need to maintain water balance and replenish energy reserves during the test.
Start and finish must be installed on the territory of the stadium. It is imperative that there are special medical workers who can help the athlete. Also, the presence of law enforcement services in case of emergency situations that threaten the health and life of the participants in the competition. Venues may differ in specific weather conditions, but this refers to a separate type of race, which we will talk about below.
Types of competition
Competitions are of several types:
- Commercial
- Non-profit
- Extreme
TO non-profit include those that are included in the program of the Olympic Games. They have their own schedule and races, where there is a clear division between the races of men and women.
Under commercial understand the event organized by private individuals. They differ in that anyone can take part. Most often they are held either in the fall or in the spring, as it is believed that this is the best time in relation to weather conditions. The start of the men's race and the women's race can be held within one hour or even together. (Give examples)
There is also a special kind - extreme... These are exorbitant tests that can be carried out in the most unusual and extreme conditions. In such competitions, survival is no longer an easy task, and the main importance is not given to sports, but to an advertising or charitable purpose. They can be carried out in deserts, jungles, and the Arctic Circle.
For example, the Marathon des Sables is a desert race that lasts 7 days. Every day, participants must walk a fixed distance and meet the deadlines, if not observed, disqualification occurs. Runners carry all their clothes, food and water. The organization is only responsible for additional water and sleeping places.
World records
World records in this competition are divided into:
- Womens
- Mens
The fastest man turned out to be runner Dennis Quimetto. He ran in 2 hours 3 minutes. He set the record in 2014.
Athlete Paula Radcliffe stood out among women. She set a record in 2003, running the distance in 2 hours 15 minutes and 23 seconds. Kenyan athlete Mary Keitani was the closest to Paul. In 2012, she ran 3 minutes and 12 seconds slower.
Outstanding runners at this distance
Kenenes Bekele managed to come closer to the record among men, which in 2016 ran just 5 seconds slower than the current record holder, that is, in 2 hours 3 minutes and 3 seconds. Even more striking is the difference between the third highest marathon run by a Kenyan athlete. Eliudu Kipchoge... In 2016, he was only 2 seconds short of the Bekele result.
Among women, Mayor Keitani and Katrina Nderebe. The first managed to establish the result at 2 hours 18 minutes and 37 seconds. Katrina ran just 10 seconds slower in the 2001 Chicago Race.
A unique achievement achieved Emil Zatopek in 1952. He managed to win 3 gold medals, winning the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters and the marathon.
Notable marathon runs
More than 800 races are held every year. The most massive and prestigious at the moment are the races that are held in Boston, London,
Tokyo and New York. The oldest marathon in Slovakia is considered - Kosice. The Boston competition, which was held in 2008, can be distinguished. Their budget was 800 thousand dollars, 150 thousand of which were given to the winner.
Feedback from participants
Consider the feedback from real participants:
Ekaterina Kantovskaya, author of the blog "Happiness on the way", spoke as follows: " I did it! I ran a marathon and I'm very happy. This has been a dream of mine for many years and now I have managed to make it a reality. What I went to for so long, overcoming difficulties and problems, justified itself 100%. Crossing the finish line is an amazing feeling. The work was worth it and I think that I am not taking part in such an event for the last time. "
“I fell in love with the competition for its system! There is a lot of information that you do not know where to apply, but here everything is purposefully directed towards one goal. A marathon for me is a way to put everything in its place and get rid of unnecessary things. Sports achievements are not the main thing for me here. The main thing is what the marathon gives to the soul. Peace and satisfaction from achieving the set goals. "
Albina Bulatova
“Initially, the attitude towards such events was extremely skeptical. I didn't believe in the fact that running could improve my life and change it for a good side. However, after the first week of preparation, my attitude began to change. Completing new tasks helped to cope with other life's difficulties, and many useful habits appeared. Now I take more care of my health, family and myself in general. Thanks to the marathon!
Tatiana Karavaeva
“I expected something different, I expected more. At the beginning, with new experiences and new practices, I liked all of this. But later the motivation disappeared, the strength remained much less. The preparation took too long and interfered with daily life. I could not run to the end, which I do not regret at all. The marathon left negative emotions.
Olga Lukina
"All perfectly! A lot of rewarding and interesting experiences. The main thing for me is to gain new experience, information and emotions. Here I received all this and do not regret at all that I took part.
Victoria Chainikova
Marathon is a great opportunity to change your life, gain new experience and acquaintances. For athletes, this is still a prestigious competition, a way to prove themselves, their capabilities and become a winner.
If you have a goal to take part and pass this test, then you must adhere to the following rules and tips:
- Choose the season correctly. The best periods are October-November and March-April.
- Competent and thoughtful training with a trainer.
- Correct diet and sleep.
- Give yourself constant motivation. For example, rewarding yourself after achieving a goal.
- Careful selection of clothing and footwear that will be comfortable for you and designed for sports.
- Build your own race plan, times and sections in advance.
- Try to have fun
If you stick to these tips, then you will have no problems completing the marathon and achieving your dreams.
