Why do people run marathons?
26.2 miles is what a full marathon is. It’s a long way to run, and it’s not something that everyone can do. But for those who do, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
There are many reasons why people run marathons. Some do it for the physical challenge, while others do it to improve their mental health. Some run to raise money for charity, while others run to connect with their community. And still others run simply because they enjoy the feeling of pushing themselves to their limits.
Whatever the reason, marathon running is a challenging and rewarding experience. It’s a journey that tests your physical and mental limits, but it’s also a journey that can bring you closer to yourself and to your community.
Let’s dive deep into the reasons as why people pursue to run marathons;
Rising above physical limitations:
Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest coaches in the history of NFL said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will”.
There have been many instances in marathon running where people actually set an example Infront of the whole world that anything is possible if we are determined and willing to work. For example,
- Alex Roca Campillo, who has cerebral palsy, completed a marathon in just under six hours.
- Rob Hall, who is blind, completed the Boston Marathon with the help of a guide.
These are just of the very few example I’ve quoted, there are way more people who have ran marathons with various disabilities to rise above their physical limitations. They showed it to the world no matter what adversity comes your way, if you don’t give up and show up to the challenges than anything can be accomplished.
Charity:
People run marathons to raise money for various causes mainly for researches of different diseases-
One of the very reasons as why people take up marathons is for a charitable cause. They are aiming to collect money for research or for someone's treatment or they may take up marathon because they want to honor someone close to them.
For example, in various marathons of UK, people run to collect money for cancer research in UK and this money is used into cancer prevention, treatment, and diagnosis and UNICEF, which is another organization collects charity to improve the lives of children around the world.
Indeed, marathon running can be a great motivator to collect money for a charitable cause. It is extremely beneficial and rewarding for you and the society.
Feeling of accomplishment:
Running a marathon requires a lot of determination and grit and when accomplished it gives you a greater sense of accomplishment.
- George A Sheehan, a famous physician & runner said, “Running a marathon is a journey, not a destination”.
You can’t just simply go to a race and be able to run 42.12 Kilometers. It takes months and years of training to be able to run that much. You have to sacrifice time and stay committed to the goal of running a marathon. And once you hit the finish line, the amount of accomplishment and fulfillment you would feel is unparalleled and this whole experience will instill a sense of confidence and self-respect towards yourself. Paula Radcliffe, a three-time London marathon winner said,” Running a marathon is a feeling that you never forget”.
Indeed, running a marathon can be one of the greatest and memorable experiences one could have.
Lastly:
Joan Benoit Samuelson, first Olympic women marathon champion said, “I run because it’s fun, it’s challenging, and it makes me feel good”.
People run because they can” is a reminder that running is a choice. It is something that people do because they enjoy it and because it makes them feel good. There are many reasons why people run, but ultimately, it is a choice that they make because they can.