A marathon runner is a runner who specializes in running marathons, which are long distance races that are traditionally 26 miles (42 kilometers) long, though marathons can be run at any length. Marathon runners are unique among runners because they must train in a way that allows them to perform at a high level over a long distance. Some marathon runners combine their training with other sports training for triathlons and biathlons, such as cycling and swimming, while others prefer to focus solely on running.
The marathon tradition is said to have originated in Greek history. A messenger is said to have run from Marathon to Athens to deliver important news, but he died before the message could be delivered. The legend was revived in the 1800s when marathons became popular, and the marathon became one of the first Olympic events. Marathons are now held all over the world, with several cities hosting particularly well-known marathon events.
A marathon runner can compete in ultramarathons, which are races that are longer than the traditional distance. Extreme weather, such as extremely hot or cold temperatures, can make an ultramarathon even more physically demanding for participants. In all cases, the goal is to finish within a certain time frame rather than to win the race overall, and a marathon runner can compete in a variety of classes, including female runners, senior runners, and male runners.
Many runners are sprinters, meaning they can sustain a high rate of speed for a short distance. A marathon runner is more concerned with stamina than with speed, developing strong muscles, a large lung capacity, and a tough circulatory system to allow the heart and lungs to withstand the grueling conditions of the race. Every week, marathon runners go for multiple long runs to increase their stamina and prepare their bodies for the race.
Running a marathon is a physically demanding event, and marathon runners must take special care of their bodies and prepare for major races. Runners must drink enough water to avoid dehydration during a race without overdoing it and risking water intoxication. They must also stretch thoroughly before and after races to avoid cramping and other muscle problems, as well as eat a healthy diet while training. Some people are prone to overtraining, which causes their bodies to break down.
As a marathon runner, you can train alone or in a group, and some people hire a personal trainer to help them set a training schedule and set goals. Using a personal trainer can also help you avoid overtraining because trainers are familiar with the early signs of overtraining.