{"id":9749,"date":"2024-10-21T16:04:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T16:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/\/"},"modified":"2024-11-04T15:20:46","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T15:20:46","slug":"why-do-people-run-marathons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do people run Marathons?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_ec7d03c83d081925410a7c2313c22e30\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/running\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/marathon\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarathon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy do people run Marathons?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">October 21, 2024<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t7 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"Marathon - Amy Wright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_8fd8f2358797254871a1883af2ecdc1a\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-we-love-marathons\">Why We Love Marathons<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>So why do people run marathons? Running a marathon is a big deal. Months of planning and training, leading up to 26.2 miles of pain and exhilaration! &nbsp;To help you on your marathon journey, Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk\/\">ABP Southampton Marathon<\/a>. From exploring new areas to entering a flow state, read on for inspiring stories from Team OS and Southampton Marathon Ambassadors to find out exactly why people run marathons!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ella-cowen-os-employee-sustainability-property-amp-facilities-lead\"><strong>Ella Cowen: OS Employee &#8211; Sustainability, Property &amp; Facilities Lead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-ella-cowan-2.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - ella cowan\" class=\"wp-image-9766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-ella-cowan-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-ella-cowan-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-ella-cowan-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-ella-cowan-2-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s something incredibly rewarding about setting a far-off goal that seems almost impossible, and slowly building up to it. That\u2019s what a marathon is for most of us: something unattainable that, through hard work and training, becomes possible. As a long-time half-marathoner, I finally set myself the goal of running a trail ultra-marathon: 34 miles across Dartmoor from north to south. Putting such an ambitious goal in the calendar made it so fun and purposeful getting out for training runs. I knew I was working toward something exciting that I could be really proud of, and boy was I! Planning it was really interesting too. For a half marathon a couple of gels will get you through, but I knew I\u2019d need to take a more calculated approach to an ultra. Nutrition is one of the things we tend to forget about, but it\u2019s so crucial for feeling energised and ready to take on a race. I can\u2019t wait to do another one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-richard-bailey-wiles-os-employee-field-surveyor-east-midlands\"><strong>Richard Bailey-Wiles: OS Employee &#8211; Field Surveyor (East Midlands)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-richard-1-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - Richard\" class=\"wp-image-9760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-richard-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-richard-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-richard-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-richard-1-864x1080.jpg 864w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-richard-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgoingtem&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMary.Malyon%40os.uk%7C38369e49e860411f173e08dce5242967%7C7988742dc5434b9a87a910a7b354d289%7C0%7C0%7C638637190798575644%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=5Rk%2Ba7v93OBolP%2BL3kxyKuhaiToz%2B1iWvfWvsDJMZGY%3D&amp;reserved=0\">@goingtem<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I started running quite late in life, in my mid-forties, although I\u2019ve been an avid walker since my teens. Like many others, I caught the running bug during the pandemic when I realised that I could cover much greater distance in the same time when exercising from home, than I could by just walking. I\u2019m a bit of a data geek and love crunching numbers.&nbsp; Although I\u2019m not normally a competitive person, I enjoy trying to beat PBs and seeing how far up the rankings I can come in races. Preparing for a marathon or ultra marathon gives me a good excuse to get out at the weekend and make use of my <a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/\">OS Maps app<\/a> to explore the countryside on a long run. I love the freedom that trail running brings, at times it feels like you are \u2018flowing\u2019 through the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gus-mckechnie-os-champ\"><strong>Gus Mckechnie: OS Champ<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gus-mckechnie1.jpg\" alt=\"Gus Mckechnie\" class=\"wp-image-6790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gus-mckechnie1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gus-mckechnie1-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/os-champions\/gus-mckechnie\/\">Gus Mckechnie<\/a><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m a big fan of different forms of exercise, especially running. I have cerebral palsy and I\u2019m a classified T38 runner (paralympic classification for runners with cerebral palsy). I\u2019m a member of the Hamwic Harriers community running club in Southampton and I also join in with OS runners from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running has become more inclusive thanks to Parkrun. I\u2019m a regular Parkrunner, with my local run being on Southampton common&nbsp;. It is rare for T38 runners to take on marathon distances, but I have five London Marathon medals from the past five years! Three of those being virtual and two from running in London itself. As well as the ABP Southampton Marathon I\u2019m aiming to do the London Marathon again. I hope to half my ABP Southampton marathon time from 2018, when I took over 8 hours 40 mins to complete the marathon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will also aim to raise money for charity by doing the two marathons in one month.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_1acf21160f999a11089f9b9cf91d2fcc\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products radial pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"radial\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"6158,4752,6167\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-peter-cave-os-employee-lead-information-security-consultant\"><strong>Peter Cave: OS Employee &#8211; Lead Information Security Consultant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-peter-cave-running-in-an-event-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - Peter Cave running in an event\" class=\"wp-image-9762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-peter-cave-running-in-an-event-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-peter-cave-running-in-an-event-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-peter-cave-running-in-an-event-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-peter-cave-running-in-an-event-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-peter-cave-running-in-an-event.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Running is my release from life! Whenever things have been tough at work or home, I know I can get away from it all and have time with my thoughts. It\u2019s a chance to push myself and do something hard, or a chance to relax. Running a marathon is always a challenge, and I always thought it was one out of my reach. When you start training and getting fitter, you realise you can do it. I\u2019ve done four now (plus an Ironman, which has a marathon run) and every one has been different and enjoyable in their own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-alex-jackson-os-champ\"><strong>Alex Jackson: OS Champ<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-alex-jackson_champ-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - Alex Jackson\" class=\"wp-image-9770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-alex-jackson_champ-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-alex-jackson_champ-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-alex-jackson_champ-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/os-champions\/alex-jackson\/\">Alex Jackson <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running is something I did when I was younger, but then had to stop because of injury when I grew up too quickly. I\u2019m both excited and nervous about getting back on the roads and running again to train for the ABP Southampton Marathon. I never ran any crazy long distances, just track events, but what I love about running is the afterburn and the buzz of warring with your body and mind &#8211; and coming out on top. This is exactly what I expect from doing the marathon, so planning to train then following through is something I really look forward to!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-emma-laming-abp-southampton-marathon-ambassador\"><strong>Emma Laming: ABP Southampton Marathon Ambassador<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-laming-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - Emma Laming\" class=\"wp-image-9764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-laming-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-laming-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-laming-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-laming.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/emm__fit\">@emm-fit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have never run a marathon before. However, I signed up for Race to the King Ultra Marathon in June 2025, so I wanted to run a marathon before tackling the 100km. I enjoy these challenges as they prove I can do anything I put my mind to; I love pushing myself to do better!<br><br>I am currently creating an Instagram series covering my training on my Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/emm__fit\">@emm-fit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sam-taylor-os-champ-and-employee-competitive-intelligence-enablement-manager-and-os-champs\"><strong>Sam Taylor: OS Champ AND employee &#8211; Competitive Intelligence Enablement Manager and OS Champs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-sam-taylor-3.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - Sam Taylor \" class=\"wp-image-9751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-sam-taylor-3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-sam-taylor-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-sam-taylor-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/os-champions\/sam-taylor-frost\/\">Sam Taylor-Frost<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I love running for the simplicity of it. All you have to do is get a pair of trainers and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Being active plays a massive role in my physical and mental health and running has been my go-to activity throughout all the different sports I\u2019ve tried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running tires me physically, but it mentally recharges me. I love being outside surrounded by nature and that\u2019s why I now have numerous pairs of trail running trainers! I also really enjoy challenging myself, as it focuses my mind away from the whirlwind of day-to-day stresses. This is why I loved running <a href=\"https:\/\/plantbasedsamt.wordpress.com\/2022\/05\/30\/variety-is-the-spice-of-life-from-sprint-triathlon-one-weekend-to-trail-marathon-the-next\/\">my first trail marathon in Exmoor in 2022<\/a>. It\u2019s also why I\u2019ve signed up with my best mate to run Endure 24 (a 24-hour trail running event) as a pair team in 2025. If all goes well, I should be running more than a marathon and raising funds for the amazing charity <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinmind.org\/\">Sport in Mind<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-amy-wright-os-employee-technical-geospatial-analyst\"><strong>Amy Wright: OS Employee \u2013 Technical Geospatial Analyst<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\" alt=\"Marathon - Amy Wright\" class=\"wp-image-9769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I have been running casually for many years and dreamed that one day I would conquer the marathon. I have a background in fundraising so jumped at the opportunity to run the London Marathon for charity. Knowing that I had such a huge event coming up <em>was <\/em>scary, but the months running up to the marathon gave me so much clarity and purpose. I really enjoyed looking at my training plan and planning routes with any willing companions. Not only did I feel stronger and fitter from running so much, but I was amazed at how quickly I saw progress in achieving PBs and hitting longer distances. I was SO ready for London 2024 that I was smiling for the whole 26 miles. I have since signed up for Manchester Marathon 2025! Here we go again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-emma-boocock-os-employee-ordnance-survey-field-surveyor-south-yorkshire\"><strong>Emma Boocock: OS Employee &#8211; Ordnance Survey Field Surveyor (South Yorkshire)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-bocock-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Bocock Marathon Runner\" class=\"wp-image-9763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-bocock-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-bocock-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-bocock-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-bocock-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-emma-bocock.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Running for me is a way to explore new areas and visit places I would never usually travel to. It also shows me how much I can achieve when I put in the work and push myself. Throughout the many weeks and months of marathon training, I enjoy discovering new running spots and creating fresh routes in <a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/\">OS Maps<\/a> to constantly keep things interesting. I plan races in locations I\u2019ve never been before and love racing round exploring somewhere new. Additionally, I love the feeling of ticking off each of the sessions in the training block and seeing the steady progress towards that final goal. It\u2019s incredibly rewarding crossing the finish line and celebrating all the hard work and dedication it took to get there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you inspired to find out more about what it takes to train for a marathon? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk\/\">ABP Southampton Marathon<\/a> and we&#8217;ll be back with more inspiration to guide you on your marathon journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_d71f200a833728acaeeaa52e702225c7\" class=\"GuidesArticles  wave-peach pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"GuidesArticlesBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/20-reasons-to-love-running\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439-1376x473.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439-1376x473.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439-300x103.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439-1024x352.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439-768x264.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439-1536x528.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/running-image.2a67c6049862144f98cf64818525f439.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/running\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t20 reasons to love running\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFebruary 21, 2018\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen it&#8217;s cold and dark, or you&#8217;re tired, or just not in the mood to exercise, it&#8217;s very easy to find an excuse not to go for a run outside \u2013 yet running is one of the best forms of exercise out there. In an attempt to get you out there, we&#8217;ve put together 20 reasons to love running!\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-running\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"Running For Beginners Plus size lady running\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/running\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA beginner&#8217;s guide to running\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 1, 2021\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhether it\u2019s around the block, to the shop, or a full scale marathon, there is no doubt that running is good for you. This beginner\u2019s guide to running will help you get started.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beacons-way-ultra-with-suunto-race-s\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240712_210247-1080x1080.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"trail running trainers and watch\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240712_210247-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240712_210247-scaled-e1761660287943-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240712_210247-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240712_210247-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/running\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/gear-guides\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGear Guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/trail-running\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrail Running\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/suunto\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuunto\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/os-test-the-best\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOS Test The Best\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBeacons Way Ultra with Suunto Race S\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptember 24, 2024\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuunto Race S Review &#8211; Tracy out this performance watch to the ultimate test on the Beacons Way Ultra\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"50b75bdf00\" data-postid=\"9749\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">2<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at APB Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":9769,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[160],"activities":[13],"locations":[17],"class_list":["post-9749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-marathon","activities-running","locations-all-of-great-britain"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why do people run Marathons? - OS Maps Discover<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at ABP Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why do people run Marathons? - OS Maps Discover\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at ABP Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OS Maps Discover\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/osmapping\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-04T15:20:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/blobgetoutside5db8a681d3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"666\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"hilary.pullen@os.uk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@OSLeisure\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@OSLeisure\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"hilary.pullen@os.uk\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"hilary.pullen@os.uk\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7b496d7d84fbe7127a910670894fd9bc\"},\"headline\":\"Why do people run Marathons?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-04T15:20:46+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1382,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Marathon\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Uncategorized\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/\",\"name\":\"Why do people run Marathons? - OS Maps Discover\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-04T15:20:46+00:00\",\"description\":\"Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at ABP Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons...\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":666,\"caption\":\"Marathon - Amy Wright\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/why-do-people-run-marathons\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Why do people run Marathons?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/\",\"name\":\"OS GetOutside\",\"description\":\"The outdoors are for everyone and we want to help you discover the best Britain has to offer and the benefits that outdoor activity can bring.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Ordnance Survey\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/os-logomark-colour_rgb.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/os-logomark-colour_rgb.png\",\"width\":872,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Ordnance Survey\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/osmapping\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/OSLeisure\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/ordnancesurvey\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@ordnancesurvey\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7b496d7d84fbe7127a910670894fd9bc\",\"name\":\"hilary.pullen@os.uk\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3a34ff49caecc4cf0867f6254907cb556edf3391685dbc25f3ced1cac72bc490?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3a34ff49caecc4cf0867f6254907cb556edf3391685dbc25f3ced1cac72bc490?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3a34ff49caecc4cf0867f6254907cb556edf3391685dbc25f3ced1cac72bc490?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"hilary.pullen@os.uk\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/author\\\/hilary-pullenos-uk\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Why do people run Marathons? - OS Maps Discover","description":"Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at ABP Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons...","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Why do people run Marathons? - OS Maps Discover","og_description":"Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at ABP Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons...","og_url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/","og_site_name":"OS Maps Discover","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/osmapping","article_published_time":"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-11-04T15:20:46+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":666,"url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/blobgetoutside5db8a681d3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"hilary.pullen@os.uk","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@OSLeisure","twitter_site":"@OSLeisure","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"hilary.pullen@os.uk","Estimated reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/"},"author":{"name":"hilary.pullen@os.uk","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#\/schema\/person\/7b496d7d84fbe7127a910670894fd9bc"},"headline":"Why do people run Marathons?","datePublished":"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00","dateModified":"2024-11-04T15:20:46+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/"},"wordCount":1382,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg","keywords":["Marathon"],"articleSection":["Uncategorized"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/","url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/","name":"Why do people run Marathons? - OS Maps Discover","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg","datePublished":"2024-10-21T16:04:27+00:00","dateModified":"2024-11-04T15:20:46+00:00","description":"Why do people run marathons? Ordnance Survey has teamed up with our friends at ABP Southampton Marathon to explore all the reasons...","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/marathon-amy-wright.jpg","width":1000,"height":666,"caption":"Marathon - Amy Wright"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/why-do-people-run-marathons\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Why do people run Marathons?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#website","url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/","name":"OS GetOutside","description":"The outdoors are for everyone and we want to help you discover the best Britain has to offer and the benefits that outdoor activity can bring.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#organization","name":"Ordnance Survey","url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/os-logomark-colour_rgb.png","contentUrl":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/os-logomark-colour_rgb.png","width":872,"height":512,"caption":"Ordnance Survey"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/osmapping","https:\/\/x.com\/OSLeisure","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ordnancesurvey\/","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@ordnancesurvey"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/#\/schema\/person\/7b496d7d84fbe7127a910670894fd9bc","name":"hilary.pullen@os.uk","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3a34ff49caecc4cf0867f6254907cb556edf3391685dbc25f3ced1cac72bc490?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3a34ff49caecc4cf0867f6254907cb556edf3391685dbc25f3ced1cac72bc490?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3a34ff49caecc4cf0867f6254907cb556edf3391685dbc25f3ced1cac72bc490?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"hilary.pullen@os.uk"},"url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/author\/hilary-pullenos-uk\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9749"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10278,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9749\/revisions\/10278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9749"},{"taxonomy":"activities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activities?post=9749"},{"taxonomy":"locations","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/locations?post=9749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}