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42K

42K is a common shorthand for the marathon distance in road running, equal to 42.195 kilometers (26.219 miles). The term is widely used by runners, organizers, and media to refer to official marathon races and their distances.

The origin of the distance lies in the 1908 Olympic Games in London. The race began at

Official marathon distances are measured and certified by World Athletics and organizations such as the Association

42K is the standard distance for the world’s major city marathons, including Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago,

In popular usage, 42K also serves as a benchmark for endurance fitness and charity challenges, not limited

Windsor
Castle
and
finished
in
front
of
the
royal
box
at
the
White
City
Stadium,
producing
a
distance
of
26
miles
385
yards
(42.195
km).
After
years
of
variation,
the
distance
was
standardized
in
1921
by
the
International
Association
of
Athletics
Federations
(IAAF;
now
World
Athletics).
of
International
Marathons
and
Road
Races
(AIMS).
Courses
must
meet
specific
criteria,
including
measurement
procedures,
to
be
eligible
for
records
and
official
results.
New
York,
and
Tokyo.
Races
are
conducted
on
paved
road
routes,
typically
with
multiple
aid
stations,
medical
support,
and
optional
pacers.
Training
and
competition
commonly
focus
on
pacing,
nutrition,
hydration,
and
injury
prevention.
to
professional
competition.