Skip to main content
Anzeige
Marathon Jubilees

JubiNews - everything you need to know.

Why is a marathon exactly 42.195 kilometres long?

In 1908, the Olympic Games were held in London. In order for the race to start in front of Windsor Castle and finish in the newly built Olympic Stadium, the previous 25-mile (40.234 km) route had to be extended. And an additional 385 yards (352 metres) were needed so that the finish line in the stadium was directly in front of the royal box. The distance was therefore exactly 42.195 kilometres. However, this was not defined as the official distance for a marathon until it was established by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1921.

Do you believe this is a true story? Post a comment on Facebook.

Strange Statistics

  • A runner is more likely to win a race wearing red than any other colour - crazy, right?
  • The majority of Germans prefer to run in the woods. Running on a treadmill in the gym, on the other hand, is unpopular.
  • Running alone is more relaxing than running in a group.
  • During the Great Wall Marathon in China, runners have to climb 5,164 steps.
  • Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, can reach a speed of around 44.72 km/h.
  • The marathon world record for running backwards is 3:25 hours.

Did you know…?

  • Runners take around 35,000 steps during a marathon.
  • Over 1 billion running shoes are sold in the world every year. That means every 8th person buys a pair of running shoes every year! With a strong upward trend.
  • The human body needs around 200 muscles to take one step.
  • Music can increase running performance by up to 15%.
  • The favourite food during a marathon is a banana.
  • Regular running improves bone stability in the long term. Researchers at the University of Michigan came to the conclusion that just 12 to 20 minutes of running training (three times a week) increases bone mineral density.
  • The first participation of a woman in a marathon with an official start number took place in 1967 at the Boston Marathon.

Youngest vs. oldest Marathon Finisher of the World:

The oldest marathon finisher in the world is a British-Indian runner. He completed a marathon at 100 years old (8:25:16) in 2011. He started running at the age of 89. At age 92 and with a time of 7:24:36, an American holds this record for the women.

The youngest marathon runner in the world is from India. He had already completed 48 marathons before he reached age five.

Running makes you...

...more attractive!
Not just due to calorie burning, muscle building and so on: regular exercise in the fresh air makes you feel great about yourself. This boosts your self-confidence and promotes your positive charisma.

...smarter!
In fact, regular running promotes the production of new nerve cells and blood cells, which in turn leads to an increase in your brain volume. This not only makes you smarter, but also protects you from dementia in the long term.

...more creative!
Intelligence boosts the ability to build bridges. An important factor in the development of creativity. So if you want to get into your creative process, you should go for a run.

...more motivated!
Running neutralises stress hormones, providing you with fresh energy and clearing your head. This mobilises new inner strength, giving you more motivation for everyday tasks.

„Yes, you can!“

With sensible training and the right attitude, anyone can run a marathon.

Our sponsors