I have run one 26.2 timed marathon and they give you a litle black chip you put on your shoe and it marks your time after you go over every mile mat so there is def no cheatin
um really?? Usually the mate is after mile 1 and then every 5 miles if that. Definitely at 13.1 (half way mark). People have been known to cheat (especially in the London and NYC marathon..i.e. taking a subway ride) but for the most part no.
there is actually a story behind the marathon about back in the day someone was suppose to deliver a letter and died 26.2 miles during the delivery thats how they came up with the distance.
supposedly the Greeks started this in the 5th century; however, became one of the original olympic events in 1891