The average duration of a marathon race is typically between 4 to 5 hours for most recreational runners. However, elite athletes can complete the race significantly faster, often finishing in under 2 hours and 10 minutes for men and around 2 hours and 20 minutes for women. A marathon is officially 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) long, and the duration can vary widely based on an athlete's experience, training, and race day conditions. Completion of a marathon is a significant achievement for many runners, embodying both physical endurance and mental strength.