The new easiest technique to run a marathon is to run/walk. Incorporating walk breaks during runs has been around since the late 1800s as an energy-saving distance method. If runners are unable to run and drink, we recommend that they walk and drink during training and during the marathon to ensure that they get adequate fluids. However, not all marathoners are able to run the entire race without walking. About 1 in 20 people who start the Chicago Marathon will need to take at least one full-length walk during the race. In fact, about 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women who start the race will need to stop at least once to walk. Marathoners who walk more than twice in any single race are at greater risk of injury. So if you have to walk more than twice in a single race, try not to do so too close to the end when your time is already limited. Some other factors determining whether or not you'll be able to finish without walking include your physical fitness level, how long you've been running, what type of shoe you wear, where you park, etc. There are just too many variables to say with certainty whether or not you'll be able to finish a particular race without walking. That said, most experienced runners should be able to avoid having to walk. And if you do have to walk, go ahead and take those walks!