run a marathon

USAGE SUMMARY

"run a marathon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the physical act of running a marathon race. For example: "I have been training to run a marathon for the past six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run a marathon.

The New York Times - Books

He seems ready to run a marathon.

The New Yorker

I've never run a marathon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You don't have to run a marathon.

The New York Times

She hopes to run a marathon next spring.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm going to run a marathon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Goucher has never run a marathon.

The New York Times

68 percent had run a marathon before.

The New York Times

With ME you cannot run a marathon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Women's marathon, Los Angeles 1984 Women couldn't run a marathon.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe I could actually run a marathon, I concluded.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing marathon participation, clearly define the context: Are you talking about training, attempting, completing, or simply the idea of running a marathon? Use specific verbs and details to convey the precise meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "run a marathon" casually when you haven't adequately trained or prepared. Be realistic about the commitment and physical demands involved; clearly indicate your level of preparation or intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run a marathon" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of participating in and completing a marathon race. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run a marathon" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe participating in and completing a 26.2-mile race. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with examples spanning news, lifestyle, and sports contexts. While alternatives like "complete a marathon" or "train for a marathon" offer nuanced meanings, understanding the commitment and context is key to using the phrase accurately. Avoid casual use if you haven't adequately prepared, and be specific about your training or intentions. With high source quality and consistent usage, mastering "run a marathon" enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete a marathon

Focuses on the completion aspect rather than the action of running.

finish a marathon

Highlights crossing the finish line after completing the race.

race a marathon

Highlights the competitive aspect of running a marathon.

compete in a marathon

Similar to 'race a marathon', emphasizing the competitive nature.

participate in a marathon

Emphasizes involvement in the event, whether or not the entire distance is covered.

tackle a marathon

Suggests facing the challenges inherent in running a marathon.

enter a marathon

Focuses on the act of registering for the race.

undertake a marathon

Implies a deliberate and significant commitment to running a marathon.

endure a marathon

Stresses the aspect of physical and mental endurance required.

train for a marathon

Shifts the focus to the preparation process rather than the event itself.

FAQs

How can I use "run a marathon" in a sentence?

You can use "run a marathon" in sentences like "I plan to "run a marathon" next year", "She has never "run a marathon" before", or "Do you want to "run a marathon" with me?"

What does it mean to say someone will "run a marathon"?

Saying someone will "run a marathon" means they intend to participate in and complete a 26.2-mile race, which requires significant physical endurance and training.

What can I say instead of "run a marathon"?

You can use alternatives like "complete a marathon", "participate in a marathon", or "train for a marathon" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I will marathon" instead of "I will "run a marathon""?

While "marathon" can be used as a verb, it is not common and might sound awkward. It is more common and clearer to say "I will "run a marathon"".