Sports / B1

MAR-uh-th-uh-n/ˈmærəθən/

A marathon is a long race of about 42 km, and informally any very long tiring task: a marking marathon. Race is the everyday twin. Road closures affect ambulances. Do not write marathon for a 5 km fun run.

Meaning

A long running race of about 42 km; also any very long, tiring task.

Examples

• “Road closures for the marathon delayed ambulances to A&E.”
• “A marking marathon after results day is the informal long-task sense.”

Good to know

a marathon; run a marathon. Informal: a + noun + marathon (marking). Sport / local news. Not every long walk.

Topics

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