The name and length of the marathon are reminiscent of the exploits of the Greek soldier Filippide, who in 490 BC traveled the 40 km that separated the city of Marathon from the acropolis of Athens, to announce to the Athenians the victorious outcome of the battle of Marathon on the Persians. From 1921 the length of the marathon was officially set at 42.195 km. A similar mileage of the race is certainly not a small undertaking, but even more surprising is how some athletes can cover this distance in just over two hours, maintaining an average speed of about 20 km / h. The half marathon is run instead on a distance of 21.097 km. Lower length, superior performance, as the best athletes finish it in just under an hour, maintaining average speeds of around 21.5 km / h.
