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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/run-marathon-distance

How long is a marathon?

42.195 kilometers, which is 26 miles 385 yards, or about 26.2 miles.

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  1. 38.6 km, about 24 miles
  2. 48.3 km, about 30 miles
  3. 42.195 km, about 26.2 miles ✔

Why: World Athletics lists the marathon as exactly 42.195 kilometers. In miles that is 26 miles 385 yards, usually rounded to 26.2.

Huh, didn't know that: A UK study cited by Mayo Clinic found the slowest first-time marathoners had the biggest heart health gains from training.

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Why is a marathon 26.2 miles? Because 26.3 would just be silly.
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References

Answer: 42.195 km, about 26.2 miles. World Athletics lists the marathon as exactly 42.195 kilometers. In miles that is 26 miles 385 yards, usually rounded to 26.2.

  1. World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=e7faf2e8-0385-4686-bbd0-acdb5d958e8f.pdf&urlslug=Competition+and+Technical+Rules+%E2%80%93+2026+Edition
    The standard distances shall be: Road Mile (1609.344m), 5km, 10km, 15km, 10 Miles, 20km, Half-Marathon, 25km, 30km, Marathon (42.195km), 50km, 100km and Road Relay.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine: Running for better health sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org/news/running-for-better-health
    the slowest runners had the greatest improvements in cardiovascular health
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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