marathon

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈmærəθən/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈmærəˌθɑn/ or /ˈmɛrəˌθɑn/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: mar‧a‧thon

Noun

Singular marathon

Plural marathons

1. A marathon is a long distance race of exactly 26 miles and 385 yards (or 42.195 kilometers).

   The marathon is named after a soldier who ran 26 miles and 385 yards to tell the people of Athens about the Greek victory.

2. A marathon is an activity that extends for a long period of time.

   Yesterday, we had a Star Wars movie marathon and watched all six films in a row.