A marathon is a long-distance running race with a distance of 42.195 kilometers. It is a physically demanding sport that requires discipline, training, and mental toughness. Many people run marathons to challenge themselves, achieve a personal best, or raise money for a good cause. But what many people wonder is how many calories are burned during a marathon and what are the factors that influence the calorie burn.

Calories are a unit of energy that the body uses to fuel various physical activities, including running. The number of calories burned during a marathon can vary depending on various factors, such as the runner’s weight, pace, and terrain. On average, a runner burns between 100 and 130 calories per mile. This means that a runner who weighs 140 pounds and runs a marathon at a pace of 10 minutes per mile will burn approximately 4,500 to 5,500 calories.

The number of calories burned during a marathon depends on several factors, such as your body weight, running pace, and the amount of time it takes to complete the race. However, an estimate of the number of calories burned during a marathon can be calculated using the following formula:

Calories burned = Body weight (in pounds) x miles run x 0.75

For example, a person weighing 150 pounds who runs a marathon would burn approximately 1188 calories. A person weighing 200 pounds would burn approximately 1584 calories.

It is important to note that these are just estimates, as the actual number of calories burned will vary from person to person depending on their body composition, fitness level, and other factors.

The intensity and duration of running a marathon also play a significant role in determining the number of calories burned. Running a marathon at a moderate pace will burn more calories than running at a slower pace. This is because the body has to work harder to maintain a faster pace, which requires more energy.

Weight: The more a person weighs, the more calories they will burn during a marathon. This is because the body needs to use more energy to move a heavier person than it does to move a lighter person. A heavier person will burn more calories per mile than a lighter person, even if they run at the same pace.

Pace: The pace at which a person runs a marathon can also affect the number of calories burned. Running at a faster pace will burn more calories per mile than running at a slower pace. This is because the body needs to use more energy to maintain a faster pace.

Terrain: The type of terrain on which the marathon is run can also affect the number of calories burned. Running on a flat course will require less energy than running on a hilly course, because the body needs to use more energy to overcome the inclines. Running on a hilly course can burn up to 50% more calories than running on a flat course.

Additionally, the longer the duration of the marathon, the more calories will be burned. This is because the body will need to continually supply energy to support the effort.

It is also important to consider the type of fuel the body uses during a marathon. During low-intensity exercise, such as walking or jogging, the body primarily uses fat as fuel. However, during high-intensity exercise, such as running a marathon, the body switches to using carbohydrates as fuel. This means that during a marathon, the body is burning a combination of carbohydrates and fat.

In addition to the calories burned during the actual running of a marathon, it is also important to consider the calories burned during training. Training for a marathon involves regular running, strength training, and other physical activity that can burn a significant number of calories.

In conclusion, running a marathon is a challenging physical task that requires a lot of energy and endurance. The number of calories burned during a marathon depends on several factors, such as body weight, running pace, and duration. However, an estimate of the number of calories burned during a marathon can be calculated using the formula: Body weight (in pounds) x miles run x 0.75. It is also important to consider the calories burned during training, as well as the type of fuel the body uses during the race.