Answer: A place name
Some extra relevant information:
The word marathon originally referred to a long-distance race that originated in ancient Greece. The name “marathon” is derived from the legend of Pheidippides, an ancient Greek messenger who is said to have run from the city of Marathon to Athens to deliver a message of victory in the Battle of Marathon.
According to the legend, after the Athenians defeated the Persians in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, Pheidippides was chosen to run to Athens to deliver the news of the victory. The distance between Marathon and Athens is approximately 26 miles or 42 kilometers.
Pheidippides ran the entire distance without stopping, and upon reaching Athens, he exclaimed “νενικήκαμεν” (nenikēkamen), which means “we have won” in Greek, before collapsing and dying from exhaustion.
This legendary feat of endurance became the inspiration for the modern-day marathon race. The first organized marathon race took place in the 1896 Olympics in Athens, Greece, with the distance set at approximately 25 miles to cover the route from Marathon to the Olympic Stadium in Athens.
Since then, the marathon has become a prominent event in the world of sports, with thousands of athletes participating in marathons all over the world. The distance is now standardized as 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers.
While the word marathon may have different meanings in today’s context, its original meaning and historical significance lie in honoring the endurance and determination of Pheidippides, a messenger whose legendary run has become a symbol of triumph, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.