Running a marathon isn’t impressive at all

I get where you are coming from but I think you may be a bit harsh. I think finishing a marathon is not really an accomplishment but running the whole thing is more of an achievement that while not this grand act does require some structured training and effort over time and deserves some kudos.

And your running credentials please.

For the average person it’s a huge accomplishment. For an advanced runner not so much

Most marathoners are day hikers, hiking fast rather than running. I will never understand why someone would ever want to enter a marathon if there was no expectation that they can run the entire thing without stopping.

If you can run all the way without stopping, even if you are really slow, you have my respect. But, I bet that is less than 10-20% of all finishers.

Things happen in a marathon and you might be forced to walk a bit, but why toe the line if you know you will walk?

I've done 4 marathons, all under 3 hours. In only one of them did I actually run the entire way without stopping or a quick walk break. I feel like I have run one marathon.

16:09 5k, 4:39 mile

For an in-shape, 22 year old post-grad working at a running show store -- No. You're young, have very little going on in life that would prevent you from being able to train and could probably do it by yourself on a Saturday.

For a 42 year old dad, with 3 kids and a high pressure job, it's wildly impressive. For someone in cancer treatment, it's very impressive. For the vast majority of people out there, it's a major accomplishment.

It's all about context. I suspect the OP is younger and in shape with very little outside commitments. If you actually have a lot going on in life, it's very, very impressive.

Dude, if you're running sub-3 hours, you ran 4 marathons. Relax.

I used to think this way when I was younger, but now I realize I must have sounded absolutely insufferable if you say running a marathon isn't an accomplishment.

Anyone who says this is just trying to humble-brag that "I'm so fit, running a marathon isn't even hard". It doesn't come off the way you think it does.

When you have nothing to offer - show them your Grammar Police badge.

Considering there are many people who fit your profile and have run sub elite times, I'd say the bar is a bit higher than merely finishing.

For someone who has a genuine physical disability or underlying medical conditions it's pretty impressive though.

The marathon has never had much respect. But ill tell you one thing, theres a higher number of college kids going straight into marathoning without touching the track as a pro tgat ever before. 21 year olds. It used to be 30 before pros eventually dabbled in the marathon before staying in the track or xc for several years post college. Not anymore. Ive ran a 2:34 marathon on my 1st attempt. It was just a bucket list thing. Prob wont for another. It was basically a long training run that helped me run 1:09 for half marathon and get back onto the 31s for 10k. Mission complete

Coach dahl