Marathon Rules: Official Rules
Get to know the Marathon Rules and understand how the most traditional and longest Olympic Athletics event is run.
Main Marathon Rules
Below are the main official Marathon rules, according to the IAAF:
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Distance of 42.195km;
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The maximum gradient allowed on a marathon course is 1/1000;
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The roads used for marathon races must remain closed to vehicles in all directions;
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The marathon must be run on road, and no soft ground is allowed;
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The start signal is made with a horn;
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In races with a large number of competitors there are 5 minute, 3 minute and 1 minute warnings;
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Along the race course there must be hydration stations, with sponges for refreshment and rest for the athletes;
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Marathon runners may not deviate from the race course without permission from the marathon officials;
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The athlete who deviates from the course to shorten the path will be disqualified;
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Marathon runners cannot receive any kind of outside help;
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The athlete may be removed from the race by medical intervention;
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The distance between the start line and the finish line must not be greater than half the marathon course, i.e. 22.098km (due to the influence of the wind).
World Records in Marathon
Not all of the above Marathon rules are mandatory to run a race, however, in a race that does not follow the above rules and a world record is broken, it will not be valid.