I have started running in marathons and it's something I really enjoy.
I love running as well, i realize it was one of the olympic events and was started in 1896
Oh wow that is a long time ago. It is a great sense of accomplishment to do it
These days they are used to support causes. Like running for cancer and all that.  800 marathons are held throughout the world each year,
That is a lot. I usually enter them with some work friends and we will go on a Saturday or something. Need to prepare long before that though
Yes there are. It is funny how the name come about though, I read that Marathon" comes from the legend of Philippides 
What is the legend of Philippides?
is the central figure in the story that inspired a modern sporting event, the marathon race. fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens, who reported the victory.
Oh I did not know that. Seems like a good story to read.
Pheidippides
Pheidippides (, , "Son of Pheídippos") or Philippides (Φιλιππίδης) is the central figure in the story that inspired a modern sporting event, the marathon race. Pheidippides is said to have run from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a military victory against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.
Story.
The first recorded account showing a courier running from Marathon to Athens to announce victory is from within Lucian's prose on the first use of the word "joy" as a greeting in
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