Marathon running, like golf, is a game for players, not winners.

"Marathon running, like golf, is a game for players, not winners. That is why Callaway sells golf clubs and Nike sells running shoes. But running is unique in that the world's best racers are on the same course, at the same time, as amateurs, who have as much chance of winning as your average weekend warrior would scoring a touchdown in the NFL." These words, spoken by Hunter S. Thompson, capture the essence of competition and human endeavor in a way that transcends the specific activities of marathons or golf. At its core, Thompson’s statement reveals that the true nature of competition is not about being the best, but about the act of participation itself. In both marathon running and golf, the journey is just as significant as the destination. Thompson uses these sports as metaphors for life—showing that success is not always about winning, but about the commitment, effort, and enjoyment of engaging in the challenge.

In the ancient world, the idea of competition was woven into the fabric of society. The Greeks revered the Olympic Games as a celebration not just of athletic prowess, but of the human spirit and dedication. The Olympics were a moment for people to come together, not just to see who was fastest or strongest, but to witness the dedication of all participants. The victory was celebrated, but the true honor lay in the ability to compete—to test oneself against the greatest, even if victory was out of reach. The Greeks believed that the pursuit of excellence was itself a form of honor, and that it was the participation and the effort that mattered most, not the ultimate triumph.

This spirit of competition is echoed in the story of Leonidas, the King of Sparta, who led his warriors to the infamous Battle of Thermopylae. Despite being vastly outnumbered by the Persian army, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought with courage and honor. Their goal was not merely to defeat the enemy, but to stand firm, to show that they would fight with everything they had, regardless of the outcome. Their story, though a tale of loss, is remembered not for the victory they failed to achieve, but for the honor they displayed in the act of fighting. In much the same way, Thompson suggests that in marathon running, it is not the winning that defines the athlete, but the willingness to engage, to run alongside the best, and to push oneself beyond limits.

In modern times, the marathon stands as a symbol of human endurance and perseverance. Thousands of runners from all walks of life gather at the starting line, from the elite racers to the weekend warriors, each with their own personal goals. The Kenyan runners, often the favorites to win, have trained for years under harsh conditions, yet on race day, they line up alongside amateurs who may have been training for months or weeks, or even just days. The race is not just a test of speed, but of resolve and heart. The experience of running alongside the best is a profound reminder that every person, no matter their skill level, is capable of something extraordinary if they commit themselves fully to the challenge.

Thompson uses the comparison to football—where the amateur is highly unlikely to score a touchdown in the NFL—to emphasize the unequal playing field between the best and the average. Yet, in marathon running, all competitors share the same course, the same starting line, and the same opportunity to challenge themselves. This is the essence of democracy in sport: no matter where you start or how fast you go, the race itself is open to all. The privilege lies not in crossing the finish line first, but in the simple act of racing, in testing the boundaries of one’s own endurance and willpower. Participation in such a grand challenge speaks to the very soul of human nature—the desire to compete, to measure oneself, and to grow from the experience.

From Thompson’s perspective, the true reward is found in the effort, not the outcome. The lessons from this are clear: in life, as in sports, we must focus not solely on winning, but on the process of self-discovery and growth. The marathon is not just about the race, but about the journey—the miles covered, the obstacles overcome, and the personal bests achieved. Whether in business, relationships, or personal pursuits, the true test lies in the willingness to engage with the challenge, to push past obstacles, and to do so with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the journey itself.

Thus, the lesson we take from Thompson’s words is one of engagement and participation. The true glory of life is not reserved for those who win, but for those who step up to face the challenges before them. Just as the marathon runner’s real triumph is in running the race, so too is our true triumph in life found in the courage to participate fully. It is through this engagement that we grow, that we build character, and that we come to understand the very nature of our strength. We must seek out those challenges that test us, not to prove ourselves better than others, but to prove to ourselves that we are capable of more than we ever imagined.

Therefore, let us not shy away from the challenge, whether it is in our personal lives, careers, or goals. Let us run the race—not for the victory, but for the experience, the growth, and the honor of testing our limits. Just as the marathon runner competes not for the glory of the podium, but for the sheer joy of pushing themselves to the edge of their potential, so too must we embrace every opportunity to engage with the world and discover the greatness within us.