If I asked you, "What is marathon"? five years ago, you might have said: "It's a kind of long-distance running competition". But will you give the same simple answer if asked now?

Absolutely not! The marathon has almost become the most popular sport-for-all, a synonym for running, with pictures posted in WeChat moments, and now a symbol of a high-end lifestyle.

All right, you haven't started running marathons. But don't you agree that everybody has running shoes, uses running apps, or maybe has run several times around a park, taken photos, and posted them on Weibo every now and then?

I bet that you must have at least one friend who is either running or on the way to running a marathon. So, to keep the friendship from capsizing and to enjoy conversing about the sport with them you should know the following:

1. How long is a marathon race? Where did marathons originate?

Though many have heard of the following story, do you know that Marathon was originally a place in Greece? Do you know a marathon is not simply 42 km but an exact distance of 42.193 km?

It dates back to 490 BC.

The Persians and Athenians were at war near the Marathon Sea in ancient Greece, a conflict known as the Greco-Persian Wars. The Athenians eventually won and a soldier named Pheidippides couldn't wait to take the good news back to the people in his hometown.

Since there were no cars, he had no choice but to run like the blazes toward Athens. When he arrived, he was nearly dead from exhaustion. He shouted with his last strength: "Let's celebrate, Athenians, we won!" After that, he collapsed and died.

Pheidippides ran a total 42.193 km.

2. What is World Marathon Majors?

The World Marathon Majors is a circuit of marathon competitions, comprised of Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon.

Once one starts running marathons, finishing the races in the World Marathon Majors will a top pursuit.

The Boston Marathon is the first city marathon recorded. It's famous because of its strict enrollment requirements, known as BQ, or Boston Qualify. The Boston Marathon is usually held on the third Monday in April.

The Tokyo Marathon is the only World Marathon Major held in Asia, which is usually held on the third Sunday in February.

The London Marathon is the hardest to sign up for among the six majors, with only one runner in six chosen from among the applicants. It's usually held in late April.

The Berlin Marathon is known for its flat racing track and extremely comfortable temperatures, which are benefits for the runners. It's usually held in late September.

The Chicago Marathon has a loop track, and has earned a reputation for its great competition management and well-rounded services provided. It's usually held in the middle of October.

The New York Marathon is the last held during a year, usually in early November. It's like an annual party for global marathon fans where they enjoy every aspect of a good marathon.

3. How do you enroll for a Marathon race, especially an overseas one?

First, you need to know when and where the marathons are held.

In addition to the six majors mentioned above, there are hundreds of marathons held all around the world, each with their own characteristics and scenery.

How can there be anything better than combining running and touring together?

You can find some of the recommended marathons in the link below:

Important dates for marathons

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), registers more than 350 distance races held by more than 100 countries and areas.

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) also provides relevant information.

What else?

* Don't miss the application period, which is usually half a year or even longer ahead of the races.

* Book plane tickets and hotels in advance.

* Of course you need a visa for an overseas marathon.

* Basic sports equipment is needed, as well as energy supplies, though most race organizers provide some.

* Learn the local map, and plan the trip accordingly.

* Don't forget to post on WeChat, Weibo, and Facebook!