D defs.my
Entry 3 senses Webster, 1913

marathon

· IPA /ˈmæɹəˌθɑn/
01 n. A footrace of 26 miles 385 yards.
  1. 1.
    A footrace of 26 miles 385 yards.
  2. 2.
    Any long and arduous undertaking, straining the endurance of the participants.
  3. 3.
    a battle in 490 BC in which the Athenians and their allies defeated the Persians.(Capitalized)
Syn. endurance contest. — Syn. -- battle of Marathon.