The marathon is a long-distance running event 26.2 miles long. The first marathon race was organized as part of the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens. Most people don't run a marathon to win, but rather to finish. Finishing a marathon is an incredible accomplishment, which takes months of training, persistence and dedication. Most marathon coaches recommend a 5 - 6 month training program, increasing your mileage by no more than 10% per week, to reach a maximum of a 20 mile run before the actual race, and a total of about 40 miles a week, and then tapering down during the last 1 - 3 weeks leading up to the race.
There are plenty of benefits to a regular running routine - running can make you feel good, look good, breathe easier, more coordinated, more energized and it's great for your bones and your heart. Some people run just because they enjoy it, others run to lose weight, clear their mind, or improve their health.