A marathon 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 be participated in by both amateur and professional runners. Marathons are often organized as races, with participants competing for time or personal achievement. The first modern marathon took place during the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, inspired by the ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides. Today, marathons are popular worldwide, with major events like the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon attracting thousands of runners and spectators each year.