BLT-Big, Long Thing (pat pend.)
A big long thing is a race in which the participant runs, walks, ambles, shuffles, or otherwise perambulates 42.195 km or 26.2 miles or longer. Some folks would call these a marathon or an ultramarathon if longer. As a way of keeping it tidy, I like to call them all BLTs. I am aware that other folks have specific rules about how many people need to participate in the event, and how it’s advertised, etc. But here I get to make my own definitions, so if you don’t like it, go make your own website.
Fixed distance events
A fixed distance BLT is any foot race, run as a single event, where you travel 42.195 km or longer yourself. As its name implies, in a fixed-distance event you should know exactly how long you’re running at the start. If you fail to complete that distance for whatever reason (you don’t start, you quit, the course is short, the race is cancelled on account of Martians invading), then you did not complete a Big, Long Thing.
Fixed time events
A fixed time BLT is any foot race, run as a single event in which the amount of time is known beforehand. For example, an 8-hour race, a 24-hour race, etc. Note: if, within that fixed time, you complete 42.195 km or longer, then congratulations! You did a Big, Long Thing. If you ran for the fixed period of time, but didn’t cover 42.195 km, then you did not complete a Big, Long Thing.
Miscellaneous stupid things
Other miscellaneous foot race events exist in which neither the distance nor the time are known. The most common of which is a “last man standing” style race in which competitors are given a fixed amount of time to complete a loop, repeated every certain period of time, until there’s only one person left. These are generally seen as sadistic, and not a very wise idea. However, if, as part of that event, you complete 42.195 km or longer, then you completed a Big, Long Thing. Felicidades!