The length of a marathon race is standardized internationally at approximately 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers. This distance is equivalent to running from the town of Marathon to Athens, Greece, which is the origin of the modern marathon race.
In terms of time, the duration it takes to complete a marathon can vary significantly depending on factors such as the individual's fitness level, training, running pace, course difficulty, weather conditions, and other variables. Generally, for recreational runners, completing a marathon can take anywhere from around 3 to 6 hours. Elite runners often finish much faster, with times closer to 2 to 3 hours or even less for the fastest athletes.