Marathon running is included in the program of the Olympic Games. Standards and records for marathon running

The classic marathon distance in athletics was defined by the International Amateur Athletics Federation in 1921 and is 42 km 195 m (26.22 miles). World records are recorded only for races on the road, with a height difference of no more than 1 m per kilometer of distance.

Types of marathons

There are:

Commercial and non-commercial marathons. Non-commercial – competitive races professional athletes– Olympic Games, World and European Championships. Both professionals and amateurs can take part in commercial marathons.
Half marathon – distance 21 km 975 m, included in the programs of world championships. World records are officially recognized.
Supermarathons can vary significantly in distance and are often held in stages of several days.
Extreme marathons - races for long distances in difficult climatic conditions or over rough terrain (deserts, mountains, etc.);

Classification of mass marathon races

The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) divides marathons into rating categories: gold, silver and bronze.

The most prestigious series of marathons is held under the auspices of Word Marathon Majors with prize fund$1 million.

Boston Marathon - April, participation price from $185 to $250, more than 40 thousand participants, the most difficult route (ascent length 600 m). The oldest of the annual marathons;
London Marathon – April, the distance runs along the most famous places in the city, attracts about a million spectators, 250,000 applications for participation in 2016, participation costs from 300 to 500 pounds sterling;
Berlin – September, up to 40,000 participants;
Chicago – October, cost $210;
New York – November, cost of participation $347;
Tokyo is the largest held in Asia.

Marathon speed

The world record for men belongs to Kenyan runner D. Kimetto. In 2014, he ran the classic marathon distance in 2 hours 2 minutes. 57 sec. at the Berlin stage of the “golden” series.

Among women, the record holder since 2003 has been British runner P. Radcliffe, with a result of 2 hours 15 minutes. 25 sec (London Marathon). The closest achievement dates back to 2012 and is inferior to the record of 3 minutes. 12 sec. (shown by M. Keitany from Kenya).

the average speed of a professional marathon athlete is 20 km/h;
elite runners achieve a result of 21 km/h;
trained amateur runs with average speed 16 km/h (speed 20 km/h can only be shown on a segment of 1 km).

These figures give an idea of the average maximum speed, which is achieved in competitive mode. Average speeds of the training cycle are 10-30% less.

The speed schedule of the Kenyan runner U. Kipsang, when setting a world record in 2013:

Distance segment	Time spent	Speed min/km	Pace to the end result
5km	14 min. 34 sec.	2:55	2:02,56
10km	29,16	2:56	2:03,29
15km	43,45	2:54	2:03,04
20km	58,19	2:55	2:03,02
25km	1:13,13	2:59	2:03,35
30km	1:28,01	2:58	2:03,48
35km	1:42,36	2:55	2:03,41
40km	1:57,12	2:55	2:03,38
Finish	2:03,38	2:49	2:03,38

None of the sections were completed slower than 3 min/km.

Sports standards for running 42km 195m in the Russian Federation

Men:

1st category – 2:37.00;
Candidate for Master of Sports (CMS) – 2:28.00;
master of sports (ms) – 2:20.00;
Master of Sports of International Class (MSMC) – 2:13.30.

Women:

1st category – 3:12.00;
kms – 3:00.00;
ms – 2:48.00;
MSMC – 2:35.00.

Unique achievements

The barefoot record holder is A. Bikila from Ethiopia, who ran the marathon at the Olympics in Rome (1960) without shoes in 2 hours 15 minutes 16 seconds.

American boy A. Cooke, at the age of six, without training, ran a marathon distance along with adults (result 5:35:09).

Blind German V. Ratcher, 42 years old, showed a time of 2:36:15.

Swedish sailor A. Kelberg ran 224 laps around the deck, which was the full marathon distance, in 4:04:00.

44-year-old B. Price ran a marathon, spending 11 months training, after undergoing a heart transplant.

Ski marathons

To marathon distances in skiing include races of 50 km for men and 30 km for women.

Speed depends on running style: classic move loses to the free skater. For example, at the 2017 Russian Championships, the winner showed a result of 2:11:08 in the classical style. In 2014, at the Sochi Olympics, Russian A. Legkov finished first, with a result of 1:46:55, skating. In cross-country skiing competitions, speed is largely influenced by weather conditions and snow conditions.

Massive ski marathons are held under the auspices of the Worldloppet federation. Each country has the right to hold one annual marathon, provided that the distance is at least 50 km (42 km is allowed in the highlands) and everyone (amateurs and professionals) is allowed to participate.

The most popular ski marathons: the Swedish "Vasaloppet" - a distance of 90 km, the Finnish multi-day race "Rayalta Rajalle Hihto" with a total length of 440 km (the largest stage is 83 km), "Jizera Fifty" (Czech Republic), "Tartu Marathon" (Estonia) and "Running" Piastov" (Poland).

Speed skating marathons

IN speed skating The marathon is a distance of 10,000 m for men and 5,000 m for women.

World records in men's speed skating marathon:

T. Ya. Blumen - Canadian, installed on a high-mountain skating rink in Salt Lake City (USA) 11/21/2015.

Time – 12:36.30 min. Average speed over the distance – 47.6 km/h

M. Sablikova (Czech Republic) - the record was set in Salt Lake City on February 18, 2011. Time – 6:42.66 min. Average speed – 44.7 km/h

There are also marathons for extreme sports enthusiasts. The most unusual is the marathon on Lake Baikal, which has been held for more than 40 years (a distance of 220 km must be covered in 3 days). There are no analogues in world practice. Only a few can cover the entire distance.

It takes energy, time, and exhausts you. So, what makes people run a marathon?

The inspiration of a marathon runner - for the uninitiated - is a mystical force, but for others the desire to challenge yourself over a distance of 42.195 km is the most ordinary thing in the world. Upon closer inspection, their phrase "I'm just putting on something more comfortable" means sneakers and a headlamp, behind which one common feature: iron determination. But why a marathon?

The easiest sport in the world

Anyone who asks “why run a marathon?” is really asking “why run at all?” says Martin Smith, 39, from England, who has already completed four half and two full marathons. - If you are an ordinary guy like me, then you can run a marathon in four hours. But there are plenty of other sports that take up just as much time. You can, for example, play tennis for six hours - so why run? Personally, I have a family and a full-time job, so I have to travel a lot. And running is the easiest sport and fits perfectly into my busy lifestyle, because I can run anywhere, at any time, absolutely freely. Unlike tennis, golf or football, I don't need to be a member of a club and the risk of injury is relatively less, says former player in rugby.

“But once you’ve started, somewhere comes the desire to set a meaningful goal for yourself.” Running itself does this. Whatever the initial motivators, the endorphins released during regular exercise eventually make you run faster and further. Add these factors to the fact that you look great and feel great, and the appeal of running becomes simple and clear.

Glossary

Marathon:

A long distance run of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles, 385 yards).

Ultramarathon:

Extended Marathon. Official distances vary but include 50 km and 100 km.

Triathlon:

A long distance race that involves swimming, cycling and running. Olympic distance - swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km and run 10 km.

Iron triathlon:

Advanced triathlon. The official distance is to swim 3.86 km, cycle 180.25 km and run a full marathon.

First the body, then the mind

Large-scale ASICS study conducted in seven European countries,recently highlighted the fact that, in general, “running begins with a desire to get fit and lose weight, but over time it develops into a fun and relaxing pastime: “First the body, then the mind.” In all seven countries, runners agreed that keeping yourself in good health physical fitness running was their main activity, with 54% of respondents citing this as the most important reason for starting running, and 63% as the reason for continuing. The second most important reason for running was to combat overweight, 40% of European runners cited it as their main motivation to start running.”

And this is not only a European feature. “I started running 10 years ago to lose weight,” says Michael Kingston, 36, from South Africa, who weighed 105kg when he started. “I started with a 10km run, then increased the distance to 15km, then started running a half marathon. I continued, running about 20 marathons in total, then started running a 56km ultramarathon. Today I weigh 72 kg, and what was once my main challenge has become a way of life. And even now, pushing the boundaries, constantly improving and testing the limits of my capabilities, I feel extremely excited,” he adds.

Pushing the limits

Indeed, whether a person takes up running for health reasons or to combat weight, it is the desire to test one's limits that is the absolute driving force behind all marathon runners. Even those who run the distance for charitable purposes confirm that the desire to achieve something for themselves comes first. Steve Ramus (35) has run for charity many times and is currently training for his first London Marathon in 2010, which has been re-opened to anyone running for charity. “Even though I run with good intentions, I can feel physically and mentally tired. But it’s the thought of charity that helps me in those moments when I feel like I’m hitting an invisible wall, it’s a fantastic motivator.”

In addition to personal and charitable goals, Ramus also lists his reasons as "releasing stress from the exhausting rat race of everyday work life." Thirty-five-year-old Patrick Kessler, a six-time marathon runner, shares the same feeling.

“When you train for a marathon, you not only find a balance between life and work, but also relax by getting in touch with nature,” says the director of a Munich company, reflecting one of the most frequently cited reasons among Germans for taking up running (or sports games outdoors), according to the study ASICS . However, on the day of the marathon itself, the peace and silence of nature gives way to the roar and roar of the crowd - and this contrast is very often referred to as a real adrenaline rush.

It may not be reflected on my face, but the support of the crowd is very noticeable,” says Englishwoman Sarah Blanke, participant in the 2005 Berlin Marathon. “People shout your name and words of support, and it’s really inspiring. In fact, in the final miles, the boost of feeling like you have friends nearby can mean the difference between hitting a wall and reaching your goal.

Marathon as training

And once the finish line is crossed, what next? “At first, you tell yourself you'll never agree to this again,” Kessler says. “And within minutes, after the incredible feeling of pride and satisfaction has slowly evaporated, you find yourself contemplating the next challenge.” For some people, this even means going beyond the marathon. Mats Soeder (41) from Sweden runs the marathon not to challenge himself, but simply to train. A triathlete and iron triathlon competitor, he has also run an ultramarathon with the longest distance being 100 km.

“I completed my first iron triathlon in 2000, swimming 3.8 km, riding 180 km and running 42.195 km in a total of 11:59:15. But when my first child was born, I had new family responsibilities and training became harder. A simple jog will do, but classic marathon doesn't look extraordinary to me anymore. So I switched to ultramarathoning in 2003.”

Geoff Barnes (39) from the UK switched from marathons to triathlons not out of boredom, but because triathlon combined three things he could do well at. “If I ever decide to take part in an iron triathlon, I think I will follow what is now considered the strongest in the world - Lanzarote - because I don’t want to look back one day and think that I took the easy road!”

Perhaps it is this sense of ruthlessness towards oneself that distinguishes those who engage in extreme sports, from people in the crowd, but Barnes insists: “I firmly believe that anyone with good health can complete a marathon or an iron triathlon. I watched such competitions on TV and considered such people to be supermen; now I have achieved the same. All in your hands. Never give up".

What does running a marathon feel like? Have you successfully run the distance, conquered it more than once, or are you continuing to train? Or maybe you're running an ultramarathon or completing an iron triathlon. For yourself or for charity. Whatever your long-distance history, we'd really like to know what makes you tick.

As everyone knows, running distances are logically divided into short, medium and long. The discipline of ultra-long distance running stands a little apart.

Sprint races short distances do not exceed 400 meters. In medium distance running up to 3,000 meters, may include a variety of disciplines, including steeplechase. Engaging exclusively in short-distance sprinting is the lot of Olympic professionals due to its specificity.

Long distance running

We are interested in long-distance running, which, according to generally accepted opinion, begins after 3 km, or rather, 2 miles = 3,218 meters. However, we all love marathons to category long distance running are not officially included because they are not held at the stadium, but in the open air. Therefore, the classic marathon distance 42 km 195 m It's simply called a "marathon".

Popular long-distance running disciplines included in programs olympic games and World Athletics Championships are 5 000 And 10,000 meters. Please note that running distances for competitions held inside the stadium are usually measured in meters. At the same time, such outdoor races are measured in kilometers.

When the conversation turns to starting running, what is meant is stayer running. Up to participation in amateur marathons. It is thanks to him that we radically change our lifestyle and with our feet we create excellent conditions for the healing of the whole body. Long-distance running is of interest to anyone who struggles with excess weight, stress, or strengthens their cardiovascular system and immunity. Sometimes it is simply called - long run.

Marathon. History, distance and rules

The meaning of the word “marathon” comes from the name of the Greek city of Marathon in Attica and is associated with the legend of a Greek warrior who ran to Athens with news of victory. However, according to historians who dug up documentary sources, this was not entirely true and not quite there.

But this did not prevent the marathon from being included as a discipline in the Olympic Games and the first official race being held along the Marathon-Athens route in 1896. True, this distance fits into 34.5 km. In general, the distance of the first marathons varied quite a bit, both downward and upward. It was only in the 1920s that it settled down and was officially accepted as 42.195 km.

Modern rules dictate that the marathon is held on asphalt roads. But there are a huge variety of cross-country races, sometimes with quite difficult terrain and in extreme conditions, also called marathons. Even though the distance may differ greatly from the generally accepted one.

Half marathon

There is another one of the most popular distances - half marathon. Accordingly, this 21 km 97.5 m. The half marathon is one of the milestones in the training of amateur runners, who just a few months ago could not run even a kilometer.

At almost any running competition, half marathons are also held in parallel with the marathon for those who find it too difficult to run the full distance. Among runners, a half marathon is simply called half.

Ironman triathlon running

The marathon is an integral third element of extreme triathlon competitions Ironman. Accordingly, after a 3.8-kilometer swim (sometimes in icy water) and after a 180-kilometer road cycling race, to bear the title “ iron man", you still need to run 42 kilometers. A good result will be if you do it within 12 hours. But for starters, it would be great to even get to the finish line.

Ultramarathon

Special running discipline - ultramarathon. There are no clear restrictions: anything over 42.195 km is an ultramarathon. And although the most frequent competitions are held at distances 50 And 100 km, often ultramarathons are first laid out on the map, and then they look at how many it turned out to be. The duration of such titanic tests can last more than one day, and in the most unsuitable conditions for this.

Almost all ultramarathons are closely related to such a discipline as trailrunning, because most of the routes run over rough terrain.

After the first purposeful and conscious run in your life, it’s hard to resist setting sports goals. And if at least one of them is achieved, then the person can no longer be stopped. And that's great. But if running has an exclusively health-improving purpose, then you shouldn’t once again cross the line of your capabilities and throw yourself headlong into extreme loads.

Marathon running This is one of the most difficult running distances. The range has changed more than once, and only at the beginning of the 20th century until our time it stopped at 42 km 195 meters. The first athlete who was able to overcome this distance in the Olympic Games was the Greek postman Spyridon Louis. He ran the distance in 2 hours, 58 minutes. and 50 sec. Marathon running is one of the longest races in terms of distance. sports competitions, among Olympic program And official competitions in athletics.

The race received this name thanks to the Athenian warrior-messenger. As a result of the battle between the Persians and the Greeks, the Greeks won. This messenger brought the good news of the triumph to Athens. He ran non-stop for about 40 km from the Greek city of Marathon to Athens itself. Having pronounced the good news, he instantly fell and died. It was named in his honor this type running. And in 1896, marathon running was included in the program of the 1st Olympic Games in Athens for the first time.

There are always many people who want to take part in the marathon race

Before participating in a marathon, you need to train long and hard. Prepare your body and mind for the upcoming load. Every day the athlete must run at least 12 km for 3 months. Preparation keeps the muscles in constant tone, the body becomes stronger, more resilient, willpower and patience are developed. Cardiovascular load vascular system thanks to training, it is gradual, which is important, since the heart also needs to be prepared for the race. Besides physical training It is advisable to monitor your diet and eat foods rich in nutrients.

Athletes who have presented a medical certificate a month before the start of the race stating that their health condition allows them to participate in the marathon are allowed to participate in the marathon. Participants often run the distance along highways, sometimes along pedestrian and bike paths. The start and finish must begin inside the stadium. Clothing, shoes and accessories should be as comfortable and reliable as possible.

Marathon coordinators must ensure complete safety and comfort for participants. There should be no Vehicle and objects that interfere with athletes. There should be food and rest points every 5-6 km. Participants may only drink refreshments provided by the marathon organizers. For failure to comply with this rule, the athlete may be removed from the race. Marathon races are held in all cities of the world, both among men and among women. The length of the marathon, as previously written, is approximately 42 km.

Preparation plan for marathon distance

Training for a successful finish

The race begins with the command “To the start!” Participants approach the starting line, put one leg forward, and stop in a walking position. The legs and arms are bent, the body is slightly tilted forward. At the command “Attention!” body weight shifts to bent leg, the angle of inclination of the body increases, the race begins. Light sweeping arm movements help athletes run throughout the entire distance.

My throat is dry and my breathing is clogged. My legs were tired and felt like they were filled with lead. In your ears, headphones with your favorite music, which always maintains energy in the body. You run automatically, not attaching importance to every step. After the finish there was great relief and satisfaction. You feel so light, as if you are about to take off. Breathing gradually returns to normal, becomes even and measured.

Anyone who has ever done long-distance running experiences approximately these conditions. Although “big” is a loose concept. For some, running even 1 km will be a feat. But we are now talking about distances of 10, 15 and 20 kilometers. It is in such races that you need good endurance.

But the very peak, which beckons with its unattainability, is the length of the marathon distance. This is the line that many recreational runners want to get closer to. But due to the serious preparation that is needed to overcome such a race, not everyone will be able to complete it. But still, how long is the marathon distance? It is 42 km and 195 m. This is exactly the distance that athletes run in order to then bear the honorary name of a marathon runner all their lives.

Where did this length come from?

To answer the question “what is the length of the marathon distance,” you need to turn to historical information. So, in 490 BC, a battle took place between the Greek army and the Persians. This took place near the ancient city of Marathon. To notify Athens that the Greeks had won, a messenger Pheidippides was sent, who ran a distance of 42 km and 195 m. He conveyed the good news and fell dead from exhaustion.

After a long time, the length of the distance was changed and adjusted several times. But in 1921 this particular figure was established and recorded international federation amateur athletics. For many years, marathon races have been organized all over the planet, in which several thousand people participate at a time.

The sport of running is very popular among people. They are practiced for health purposes and to maintain tone in the body. It is accessible to every person who can move.

What does it take to run a marathon?

Before running a marathon, everyone must undergo a huge amount of training. In addition, you will need a strong desire and iron endurance. You need to run at least 10 km daily and, depending on your body, choose the right nutrition.

As a rule, preparing for a race is a whole system that is compiled individually for everyone. It includes:

Diet and its quality. Meals should be time-controlled. Also, a separate system can be a diet, which implies a certain amount of substances for the body. Products are specially selected and the quantity of their intake is controlled.
Training mode. He must effectively combine rest with exercise. The regime is one of the main components for proper preparation.
Development plan. This is a schedule according to which the load is gradually increased in the form of an increase in distance.

Beginner mistakes

Many of those for whom the marathon distance has become a goal for the near future are starting to train. And, in order to improve their shape, they try to gain it too quickly. Such accelerations are very dangerous for health and can drive the body into a dead end. To prevent this from happening, you should remember the rule that all loads should be gradual. In no case should you force your training and try to run too long a distance without appropriate preliminary preparation. It is better to divide everything into stages and move from one small goal to another. Such planning will help an unprepared body adapt and withstand the load.

There are also many drugs and various stimulants that help the body activate energy reserves and increase endurance and strength. But abuse of such drugs is fraught with consequences on the body in the form of damage to the liver and other organs that suffer primarily from the drugs. They must be taken very carefully, under the supervision of an experienced physician. You should not hope that you know everything in this matter; you cannot rely only on yourself. An extra consultation never hurts.

Training program

If you are already used to training regularly, then the length of the marathon distance will no longer seem as scary as it might seem. But to conquer it, you need to start intensive training in 3-4 months. You can take advantage of the annual events in big cities where the race takes place on a certain date and prepare for them. Such organized races help athletes meet and communicate with each other. In addition, there are medals and certificates of commendation for participants that can be kept as souvenirs.

To start a targeted workout, you can use the “3+1” principle. In this case, you should run for 3 days in a row and rest for one day. Next, you need to increase the amount as you get into shape up to 5+1 or even 6+1.

The distance during each workout also needs to be increased gradually. It should be from 10 to 25 km. Also, not every day you need to run the same number of kilometers. You can increase within one cycle. For example, on the first day the distance is 10 km, the second - 15, the third - 20, the fourth - 25 and the fifth - 30 km. With such wave-like training, endurance is gradually developed. Also, the program must include acceleration training. In this case, the runner covers 1-3 km in acceleration, and then runs from 0.5 to 2 km at an average speed. This is necessary in order to have strength at a distance when there is an ascent along the route.

Marathon records

The world marathon record was set in 2014 by Kenyan Dennis Kimetto. He ran the distance in 2 hours 2 minutes and 57 seconds. He managed to beat Wilson Kipsang's marathon distance record by a whopping 26 seconds. Every year, new records begin to differ by only a few tens of seconds. This is due to the maximum capabilities of the human body.

Olympic Games

The marathon distance at the Olympic Games is one of the iconic events that usually ends the entire event. The race was one of the first to be included in the list of competitions. Often the finish of marathon runners takes place at the stadium in honor of the closing of the Olympic Games. This has become a kind of tradition, which is supported at every event.

There is a special commission to certify the route along which the marathon takes place. According to the rules, there should be no lifts that exceed the maximum permissible deviations. There should also be no significant excess or shortfall of the distance.

Since the number of marathon runners is large, which makes it very difficult to record the start and finish, special electronic chips are used that are issued to each participant for his registration.

Organization of competitions at the Olympic Games

Race organizers usually use routes that are certified by the association. For this purpose, start and finish points are installed and equipped. Every 5 km of the run, toilets and bases with prepared water and food are installed for marathon runners, since covering such a distance is a serious test for the body. This is necessary to maintain water balance and replenishing energy for athletes. There are also special workers who keep order; ambulances are on duty along the entire distance for emergencies.

Amateur competitions

There are also commercial organizations that organize marathons. All participants register and make a monetary contribution. At the same time, they are given a serial number. The results at such competitions may not be ratified by the international organization, since the number of meters of the marathon distance may differ from the established one. Among the popular races, unofficial ones are Los Angeles and which use a course with violations.

Conclusion

Conquering such a peak as the marathon distance is one of the goals of many amateur runners. And not every athlete succeeds in this. To do this you need to train a lot and have good strength will. There are many communities and fan clubs in the world that disseminate information and gather marathon participants from all over the world.

The marathon distance, whose history began in 490 BC, is not conquered by everyone, as already mentioned. But those who overcome it prove by their example how resilient a person can be.

That’s probably all there is to it regarding the length of the marathon distance. But you should not think that 42 km and 195 m are the distance that is the maximum length. Human possibilities are truly limitless.