Final answer:
The article's main purpose is to provide general advice to first-time marathon runners, covering aspects from training and preparation to race day strategy and equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main purpose of the article is to give general advice for running a marathon. The article offers tips on training, equipment, mental preparation, race day strategy, and choosing a marathon event. It does not delve into creating a detailed training plan or describing famous races in depth but provides a broad overview to help first-time marathon runners succeed in their endeavor.