A marathon race is a long-distance running event that covers a distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). It is typically held on roads and can attract both professional athletes and amateur runners. Marathons are often organized as part of larger events, such as city festivals, and can vary in difficulty based on the terrain and weather conditions. The first modern marathon took place during the 1896 Athens Olympics, inspired by the ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides. Today, marathons are held worldwide, with famous races like the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon drawing thousands of participants each year.