Would you agree that walking part of a marathon, is not really completing a true marathon ?

Question

Would you agree that walking part of a marathon, is not really completing a true marathon ?

Answer 1

Neither USATF or IAAF rules say a single word about this issue (that is, unless you're racewalking). The point of participation is to go your fastest, and if you're a "repeat offender," to get faster over time. (It *is* a race, after all.)

But just *how* fast varies from person to person.

The process can involve sprinting, jogging, walking, eating, drinking, even rolling on the race course if you like. The choice is yours!

Answer 2

Technically they completed it. They didn't complete it competitively, but they finished. It is not a good idea to trash talk or be mean to someone by saying they didn't actually complete it because at least they were out there. That is more than most people do. Try to encourage them to do another. Offer training assistance. Be a good sport :)

Answer 3

It depends.  If you mean they traveled the entire course on their own, but walked for only a portion:  They really did complete a marathon. It's the distance, not the running that makes a marathon tough.

If you mean, they walked part of it as a team or a group and they only covered 5 miles...  No, they did not complete a marathon.

I completed a marathon in 4:24:45 and I walked a short portion of it.  It happens sometimes.

Answer 4

I completely disagree. I took six walk breaks when I ran my first marathon, but I finished in under three hours and ahead of many people who ran the whole way. Even if you walk the entire race, you're still completing a marathon.

Answer 5

lmao @ the other answers. you guys are stupid. anyways uhh well some people arent conditioned enough or think they are and find out. i guess if you at least finish the race its whatever. if your running for your own personal benifit then you can walk the whole thing and the only thing that matters is how you feel about it. nothing else

Answer 6

No! You can't walk in a marathon--that's lame.  If you don't run the whole way you'll never feel like you really did it.  But say you twist your ankle on mile 24, and then walk the remaining two miles--you're a star for finishing.

Answer 7

I disagree, some people walk faster than runners run

I think stopping is not really completing a marathon though

Answer 8

i completly agree.if they walk they have to say "i ran/walked the marathon" if they run the whole time they can say "i ran the marathon"

Answer 9

The spirit of completing a marathon means completing  the distance of 42km whether you run, or walk, or ride a wheelchair using your own body to move. (Riding a car for 42km is not a marathon.)

Therefore, walking  in a marathon is also completing a marathon.

A Marathoner is a man who has run the 42km distance (at least below 5 hours) using his own legs, and spent his life running for the next marathon.

Answer 10

I don't agree with that statement, it is completing a marathon only its not being done in a competitive manner.