The marathon is 26.2 miles of pure fun and pain. Since the first marathon was staged over a 100 years ago in honor of the first Olympic Games in Athens, numerous marathons have sprung into being. The distance has quickly become one of the most popular for both novices and professional runners alike.

Current Records

Men's Records

2:04:55, Paul Tergat, Kenya, Set at the Berlin Marathon.

Women's Records

2:15:25, Paula Radcliffe, Great Britain, Set at the London Marathon.

Marathon Quotes

• "If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon." - Emil Zatopek

External Links

• Top 200 Male Marathon Times (http://www.marathonguide.com/history/records/alltimelist.cfm?Gen=M&Sort=Time)
• Top 200 Female Marathon Times (http://www.marathonguide.com/history/records/alltimelist.cfm?Gen=F&Sort=Time)