What does marathoner mean?
A marathoner is someone who runs a marathon, a long-distance race of 42.195 kilometres, or 26 miles and 385 yards. The word is especially associated with serious training, endurance, and competitive running, but it can also describe an amateur who takes part in organized marathon events. In everyday usage, marathoner generally implies more experience or commitment than runner, which can refer to anyone who runs regularly. The term became established in English alongside the growth of modern amateur and Olympic distance running in the early twentieth century. It derives from marathon, which was borrowed from French and ultimately from Marathon, an ancient Greek town. The race's name is traditionally connected with the story of Pheidippides, who supposedly ran to Athens to announce the victory at the Battle of Marathon. Today, marathoner evokes discipline, stamina, and the demanding physical and mental preparation required to complete the distance.
nounA marathoner is a person who runs a marathon, especially a trained or competitive long-distance runner. The term may also refer more broadly to someone who regularly runs long distances.
- A person who runs a marathon, especially as a trained or competitive participant.
"The marathoner finished the race in just over three hours."
"An elite marathoner can cover the distance in slightly more than two hours."
"The club welcomes marathoners of all abilities for its weekly long runs."
The standard plural adds -s to the singular form.
"Several marathoners shared the lead during the final kilometres."
A marathoner bears the name of Marathon, a Greek town whose legendary messenger became the enduring model for the modern race.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of marathoner
Marathoner was formed in English by adding the agentive suffix -er to marathon. Marathon came through French from Marathon, the name of an ancient Greek town and site of a famous battle, and became the name of the modern long-distance race during the growth of organized distance running in the early twentieth century. The race's traditional association with the runner Pheidippides helped establish the word in its modern sporting sense. Related forms include marathonist, while Marathonian derives directly from the place-name Marathon.
Related word forms
How marathoner is actually used
The term is neutral in register and is common in journalism, sport, and training contexts. Although marathon runners may also race over shorter distances, marathoner specifically suggests experience with or preparation for the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres.
Easily confused with marathoner
A marathoner is the person who runs a marathon, whereas a marathon is the race or the distance covered.