The Olympic Marathon is a long-distance running event held during the Summer Olympics. It covers a distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) and tests the endurance and speed of athletes from around the world. The race typically takes place on the final day of the Olympic Games, showcasing the best marathon runners. The event has its roots in the ancient Greek marathon legend, where a soldier named Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory. The modern Olympic Marathon was first introduced in the Athens 1896 Games, and it has since become a highlight of the Olympic program.