Finishing a marathon is still one of the most challenging goals an individual can embrace. Until 30 years ago, only the finest athletes would dare to run 26.2 miles. Today, thanks in large measure to advances in training, the dream of completing a marathon has become a reality for hundreds of thousands of people. With 26 chapters and over 200 photos, this comprehensive book traces the history of this solitary endurance feat and examines its place in contemporary popular culture. It delves into all that running a marathon entails: the endless hours of training, the incredible demands the race places on the body, and the overwhelming rush of crossing the finish line. It also looks at the great heroes of the race and revisits the world's greatest marathons, capturing the determination, courage and unwavering commitment of those who take up the challenge of the marathon.