The distance of a standard marathon is 42.195 kilometers (or approximately 26.2 miles). This distance is standardized and recognized internationally by athletic organizations, including the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The marathon's origins can be traced back to the ancient Greek soldier Pheidippides, who is said to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory. Today, marathons are popular endurance events held worldwide, attracting both elite athletes and recreational runners. Many cities host annual marathons, making it a cultural and social gathering as much as a sporting event.