marathon

[ˈmærəθən]

marathon Definition

• 1. a long-distance running race, strictly one of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km)
• 2. a long-lasting or difficult task or activity

Using marathon: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "marathon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She trained for months to run a marathon.

• Example

  The project turned out to be a marathon, taking over a year to complete.

• Example

  The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the world.

marathon Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for marathon

• race
• contest
• competition
• long-distance race
• endurance race

Idioms Using marathon

• run a marathon

  to engage in a long and difficult task or activity

  Example

  The project was so challenging that it felt like we were running a marathon.

• hit the wall (in a marathon)

  to suddenly lose energy and become very tired during a long and difficult task or activity

  Example

  After running for several hours, she hit the wall and had to slow down.

• win the marathon

  to successfully complete a long and difficult task or activity

  Example

  After months of hard work, they finally won the marathon and completed the project.

Phrases with marathon

• half marathon

  a long-distance running race of 13 miles and 192.5 yards (21.0975 km)

  Example

  He decided to start with a half marathon before attempting a full one.

• ultramarathon

  a long-distance running race longer than the traditional marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.219 mi)

  Example

  She's training for an ultramarathon, which is a grueling 100-mile race.

• marathon session

  a prolonged period of time spent doing something, especially talking or working

  Example

  We had a marathon session last night, discussing everything from politics to philosophy.

Origins of marathon

from the name of the plain in Greece where the Athenians defeated the Persians in 490 BC, the messenger Pheidippides ran to Athens to bring the news and died after completing the distance

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Summary: marathon in Brief

A 'marathon' [ˈmærəθən] is a long-distance running race of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km), or a long-lasting or difficult task or activity. It is often used figuratively to describe any challenging endeavor, as in 'The project turned out to be a marathon.' 'Marathon' extends into phrases like 'half marathon,' and idioms like 'hit the wall (in a marathon),' denoting sudden fatigue, and 'win the marathon,' implying successful completion.