The world’s toughest race. Could you do it?

Marathon running has become a popular activity. In 1976, 25,000 American ran a marathon, But in 2010 this figure had risen to more than half a million (according to Running USA). And annually, more than 500 marathons are organised worldwide. Here are some interesting facts and figures about marathons.

The official distance of a marathon is 42.195 kilometres (26.219 miles).

In 1896, the modern Olympic Games were started. As part of the games, there was a “marathon” race of 40,000 metres (or 24.85 miles). The winner was Spyridon Louis, a Greek water-carrier the village of Marousi. His time was hours, 58 minutes, 50 seconds.

At the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the marathon distance was changed to 26 miles to cover the ground from Windsor Castle to White City stadium. On top of that, several hundred yards were added so the race could finish in front of King Edward VII’s royal box. In the end, the final distance of 26.219 miles (42.195 kilometres) was accepted as the official marathon distance at the 1924 Olympics in Paris.