" Recreational running became popular due to high-profile runners such as Steve Prefontaine. Race courses are usually held on the streets of major cities and towns but they could be on any sealed road . Most road races are either 5 km (3. 1 miles), 10 km (6. 2 miles), half-marathon (21. 097 km, 13. 1 miles), or marathon (42. Bryn Mawr Running Club195 km, 26. 2 miles), but non-standard distances are also acceptable. "

"3 miles), and the Badwater Ultramarathon between Death Valley and Mount Whitney in the United States which is 135 miles (215 km). Road running is unique among athletic events because in many cases first time amateurs are welcome to participate in the same event as members of running clubs and even current world-class champions. Professional road racing's governing body is the IAAF. Competitors from around the world participate in what is dubbed the "elite" races for cash prizes. Kenyans and Ethiopians are renowned for their skill and it is rare for a race's top finishers not to include competitors from these countries. Road races are often community-wide events that highlight or raise money for an issue or project. In the USA, Susan G. Chicago Running Club Komen's Race for the Cure is held nationwide to raise breast cancer awareness. This race is also run in Germany, Italy and Puerto Rico. "