Why do people run marathons / or / triathalons over and over again?

Question

I understand that running a marathon is a goal some people have and that it would keep you in shape - but isn't the entrance fees expensive? And wouldn't running the same course year after year defeat the purpose of challenging yourself?

Answer 1

They run it every year to get better times. Some people just like to have it to do for fun and have a goal or big race to motivate them to keep running and training throughout the year.

Answer 2

For some people, that's what they're good at, and usually if you're good at something you'll keep doing it.  For other people, they might just like running, OR they might want to lose some extra weight. Some people just run becuase they're improving every time they race, which probably gives them confidence.

Answer 3

I personally don't run marathons .......but they do the same one with the same course to see if they can better there previous times.  I run mostly 5K's and I would do the same races (at least 4-5 races each year) to see if I could better or stay consistent with previous years times on the same course.  

Yes marathon fees are expensive........but if you have the money or it is something that you want to do then you'll spend the $$.

Answer 4

They do it to get into the Olympics if they are that serious about it. And if they win the Olympics they could get high paying jobs  with coaching or training kids or even adults for track, cross country, half marathons for kids, or if they train/coach adults they could give them the opportunity to got to the Olympics like they did! For a lot of people it is also to improve times. If you are running every year it is not always the same course. Every marathon is 26 miles so if u keep doing it it could get easier and it doesn't defeat the purpose!