I. mar ‧ a ‧ thon 1 /ˈmærəθ ə n $ -θɑːn/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1800-1900 ; Origin: Marathon , place in Greece; from the story that in 490BC a Greek soldier ran about 25 miles from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens, to bring news of the Athenian victory over the Persians ]
1 . a long race of about 26 miles or 42 kilometres:
the Boston Marathon
Garcia ran the marathon in just under three hours.
2 . an activity that continues for a long time and needs a lot of energy, patience, or determination:
We finished the job but it was quite a marathon.
II. marathon 2 BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
a marathon event continues for a long time and needs a lot of energy, patience, or determination:
a marathon round of negotiations
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ long continuing for a long time:
The film was very long.
|
There has been a long period without rain.
▪ lengthy continuing for a long time, especially longer than you want or expect:
Drivers face lengthy delays on all roads out of the city.
|
Police are going through the lengthy process of re-examining all the evidence.
|
He faces a lengthy prison sentence.
▪ long-running [only before noun] continuing for a long time - used especially about disputes, campaigns, or shows:
He has been involved in a long-running dispute with his neighbour.
|
The programme is one of the longest-running series on television.
|
a long-running campaign to prevent the airport from being built
▪ long-lasting continuing for a long time – used especially about effects or relationships:
Stress can have long-lasting effects.
|
While at the school, she made many long-lasting friendships.
▪ protracted formal continuing for a long time, especially an unusually long time:
Despite protracted negotiations, they were unable to reach an agreement.
|
The couple have been involved in a protracted battle for custody of their children.
▪ prolonged continuing for a long time, especially longer than expected, or longer in a way that makes a situation worse:
He returned to work after a prolonged absence.
|
Studies have linked prolonged use of the drug to cancer.
|
a prolonged period of economic decline
▪ extended [only before noun] continuing for a long time - used especially about visits, trips, breaks etc that last longer than was planned:
an extended stay in hospital
|
He took an extended break from work after his father died.
|
She didn’t like being away from home for extended periods.
▪ lasting [only before noun] strong enough or great enough to continue for a long time:
The negotiations were aimed at achieving a lasting peace.
|
This affair has done lasting damage to the President’s credibility.
|
The book left a lasting impression on me.
▪ enduring continuing for a long time – used especially about memories, influences, or feelings of liking someone or something:
One of my most enduring memories is of going on holiday to France with my parents.
|
the enduring appeal of Conan Doyle's stories
|
his enduring love for Ireland
▪ marathon [only before noun] continuing for a very long time and needing a lot of energy, patience, or determination:
It was a marathon session of talks which continued until 3 am.
|
He arrived after a marathon journey across Europe.