marathon

The definition of a marathon is a long distance race, or is a long ordeal or task.

(noun)

A 26-mile footrace is an example of a marathon.
When you have a long series of doctors appointments one after the other, this is an example of a marathon.

See marathon in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a footrace of 26 miles, 385 yards, run over an open course, esp. as an event of the Olympic games or as an annual event in some cities: after the legend of the Greek runner who ran from Marathon to Athens to tell of the victory over the Persians (490 )
any long-distance or endurance contest

ancient Greek village in E Attica, or a plain nearby, where the Athenians under Miltiades defeated the Persians under Darius I (490 )

See marathon in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Sports
a. A cross-country footrace of 26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 kilometers).
b. A long-distance race other than a footrace: a swimming marathon.
a. A contest of endurance: a dance marathon.
b. An event or activity that requires prolonged effort or endurance.

Origin:

Origin: After Marathon (so called because a messenger ran from there to Athens to announce a victory over the Persians in 490 B.C.)

A village and plain of ancient Greece northeast of Athens. It was the site of a major Athenian victory over the Persians in 490 B.C.

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