Do People Really Know What They’re Signing Up for When Running a Marathon?

Marathons are not just physical feats; they’re cultural phenomena. And as Google Trends has revealed, the internet is bursting with curious — and sometimes hilarious — questions about them. If you’ve ever asked, “Do people poop while running marathons?” or “Is the marathon over?” — don’t worry, you’re in excellent company. Let’s dive into some of the quirkiest and most insightful marathon-related search trends across the U.S.

1. “Do People…” Searches: Marathon Curiosities Revealed

One of the most searched queries of all time in the United States related to marathons is:
“Do people who run marathons know they don’t have to?”

It perfectly captures the modern-day mix of awe and confusion surrounding the marathon. For many, it’s not about winning or even competing — it’s about pushing limits. But it does raise a good question: why do people subject themselves to such physical extremes voluntarily?

Over the past year, here were the most popular “do people…” questions about marathons:

1. Do people walk marathons?
2. Do people sleep during ultra marathons?
3. Do people poop while running marathons?
4. Do people run marathons without stopping?
5. Do people walk during marathons?

These searches reveal a blend of logistical curiosity and sheer disbelief. Marathons remain one of the ultimate endurance challenges, and people are genuinely intrigued about how it’s even possible.

2. Top “Marathon With…” Searches Since 2004

Ever wondered how creative marathon themes can get? Google’s long-term data uncovers some wild marathon variations:

1. Marathon with no training – Brave or unwise? You decide.
2. Marathon with Tiffany necklace – Yes, it’s real. Spoiler: It’s the Nike Women’s Half Marathon.
3. Marathon with obstacles – Think mud runs or Spartan races.
4. Marathon with dogs – Because who wouldn’t want a furry companion?
5. Marathon with most elevation gain – For the truly insane trail runners out there.

Clearly, marathons have evolved beyond the traditional 26.2-mile road race — they’ve become experiences, lifestyle events, and even Instagram moments.

3. The Eternal Question: “Is the Marathon Over?”

Each April and November, searches for “is the marathon over” spike dramatically in the U.S. It’s Massachusetts that tops the chart in googling this — likely due to the world-famous Boston Marathon. Whether it’s runners, supporters, or curious bystanders checking if traffic will resume, it’s a recurring mystery.

4. A Tale of Pacing: “4-Hour Pace” vs. “3-Hour Pace”

Since 2004, only Hawaii, North Dakota, and Iowa have been more obsessed with “4-hour pace” than “3-hour pace”. For context, a 4-hour marathon is an ambitious but realistic goal for amateur runners, while sub-3 is the elite realm.

This tells us that different states set different standards for themselves — and their goals reflect their running culture.

5. Training Plan Preferences by State

How long should you train for a marathon? According to Google Trends’ heatmap, U.S. states vary widely:

• California and Washington prefer 20-week plans
• Texas and Illinois opt for a 16-week program
• Maine is a rare standout with 6-week searches dominating

Training commitment is clearly a personal — and geographical — decision.

Final Thoughts: Marathons Are More Than a Race

The searches reveal a broader narrative: marathons fascinate people, not just because of the athleticism but because of the human questions they raise. They’re about endurance, yes — but also about curiosity, lifestyle, and sometimes sheer madness.

So next time you hear someone talking about training for a marathon with dogs or searching whether people actually stop to poop mid-race, remember: we’re all just trying to understand the beautiful absurdity of running 26.2 miles.