The traditional distance of a race in the Olympics for events like the marathon is 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). This distance has been standardized since the 1908 London Olympics and has become synonymous with the event. The marathon tests an athlete's endurance, mental toughness, and race strategy. It's not only a physical challenge but also a historical event, reflecting the ancient legend of Pheidippides, who is said to have run from Marathon to Athens. The marathon remains one of the most celebrated events in the Olympic Games.