By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
The first marathon was not a timed race, so nobody recorded its speed. Most historians suspect the legendary messenger covered roughly 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) over hilly ground in an estimated 2 to 3 hours, at a pace near 5 to 7 minutes per kilometer. That range is a reasoned guess, not a measured result.
The story behind how fast was the first marathon comes from the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. Accounts say a runner carried news of the Athenian victory from the plain of Marathon to Athens. Whether he ran the full distance or a shorter relay-like route is still debated, so any speed figure rests on assumptions about distance, terrain, and heat.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Gifts for First Marathon Picks for New Runners (2026).
Why There Is No Real Answer for the First Marathon
Ancient Greeks did not use clocks that could measure a run in minutes. Sundials and water clocks existed, but no one wrote down a split time for a messenger. The Greek writer Herodotus describes a runner named Pheidippides in his histories, but he does not give a finishing time. Later writers added details, and some of the best-known ones, such as the runner dying on arrival, appear centuries after the event.
Because of this gap, modern estimates work backward. Researchers take a plausible distance, factor in the terrain between Marathon and Athens, and apply the pace a trained runner could hold over that ground. The answer they reach depends heavily on those inputs.
Factors That Shape the Estimate
Three variables drive any speed estimate for the first marathon:
- Distance. The modern marathon of 42.195 km (26.2 miles) was standardized in 1921 and was based on the 1908 London Olympics course. The ancient route was probably closer to 40 km, though some accounts suggest a longer or shorter trip.
- Terrain. The road from Marathon to Athens includes hills and uneven ground. Hilly routes slow average pace considerably compared with flat roads.
- Conditions. Late summer heat in Attica is intense. A runner in heavy armor or carrying a message in a hot climate would not have moved at the pace of a fresh athlete on a cool morning.
A runner covering about 40 km at an average of 5 to 6 minutes per km would finish in roughly 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours. A faster estimate of 5 minutes per km or less brings the time closer to 3 hours. Most scholars have settled on a window in the 2 to 3 hour range, but the uncertainty is wide.
What to Take From the Historical Speed
The useful lesson is not the exact time but the way it compares with modern running. Today’s elite marathoners finish in roughly 2 hours. A recreational runner finishing in 4 to 5 hours is running at an average pace of 5:40 to 7 minutes per km for the whole distance. Seen this way, the legendary messenger was likely running at a sustainable, moderate pace rather than a sprint.
If you want to race a marathon yourself, your target time matters more than any historical figure. Choosing a realistic goal helps you plan the right training load. For guidance, see What Is the Best First Time Marathon Goal? Realistic Times and Picks and Realistic First Marathon Time: 3 Best Guides for First-Timers.
Practical Steps for Pacing Your Own Marathon
- Set a goal time, then divide the total by 42.195 to get your target pace per kilometer or mile.
- Run your first 5 km about 10 to 20 seconds per km slower than goal pace to avoid early fatigue.
- Use a steady effort on hills rather than forcing your target pace, since climbs cost more energy.
- Plan fueling early. Most runners begin taking carbohydrates around 60 to 75 minutes in and continue at regular intervals.
- Practice your pacing in long runs and a half marathon before race day. Building a base helps; see How to Build a Running Base for Marathon Training.
Consistent training is what turns a pace target into a finish. The Importance of Consistency in Marathon Training: How to Stay on Track explains how to keep your weekly routine steady.
Related questions
How long is a marathon today?
The standard distance is 42.195 km, or 26.2 miles. You can read more in How Long Is a Marathon?.
Who was the first female marathon winner?
Women’s racing developed much later than men’s. The history of women’s racing is covered in First Female Marathon Winner: Who She Was and How Women's Racing Changed.
Is a 4-hour marathon a good first goal?
For many first-time marathoners, finishing in 4 to 5 hours is a solid and realistic target. Your fitness, training history, and race course all affect what is achievable.
How do I pick a first marathon?
Look at elevation, weather, and race-day logistics. Best First Marathon to Run: How to Pick the Right Race for Your Debut walks through the key choices.
Should I consult a professional before training for a marathon?
Yes. If you have a heart condition, past injury, or other health concern, check with a doctor or qualified coach before starting a marathon training program.
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About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
