How long does the average person take to run a marathon?
Marathons are famously democratic in that anyone can take part and test their body to its limits.
The feeling of euphoria that endorphins unleash is communal, whether racing to win or simply taking part.
Every year, many tens of thousands of people around the world sign up to take part in prestigious races in major cities such as London, New York City and Boston. While in some cases, admission is restricted by lottery, an impressive time in a previous marathon can guarantee entry.
Marathon running is proven to bring a number of benefits, both physical and mental, whether improving cardiovascular health, boosting metabolism or reducing blood pressure and stress levels. Physicians have said that long-distance running offers unique benefits that differentiate it from other cardio, because it strengthens muscle fibre and makes them fatigue-resistant.
The goal for many first-timers is simply to finish the race, but more seasoned athletes have greater ambitions. Marathon times will vary widely depending on an individual’s age, gender, fitness level, training, weather conditions and the course’s difficulty, among other factors.
Competitive runners usually aim for between 2:30 hours and 3:30 hours, while recreational runners take anywhere between four and six hours to finish. At most marathons, the six or seven-hour mark is the cut-off time. Overall, the average marathon completion time is 4:30, with men averaging 4.20 and women 4.45.
Contact specialist marathon coach Maximum Mileage Coaching today to find out more about how to take part in endurance racing, as well as marathon tips on how to optimise your running times.
