Marvel at the magnificent multitude of sports with M!
Our list covers everything from muddy marathons to mixed martial arts.
Let’s dive in!
Sports that start with the Letter M
- Marathon running
- Mixed martial arts (MMA)
- Mountain biking
- Muay Thai
- Motocross
- Modern pentathlon
- Marathon swimming
- Mallakhamb
- Marching band
- Muggle Quidditch
Table of Contents
#1 Marathon running
Originating from the ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides, a messenger who is said to have run from the Battle of Marathon to Athens, marathon running has become a globally popular sport.
Covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), contemporary marathons can be found in major cities across the world, with the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, and the Tokyo Marathon being among the most prestigious.
The marathon race became an Olympic sport at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Latest Posts about Running
#2 Mixed martial arts (MMA)
A full-contact combat sport that combines various fighting techniques and disciplines, MMA originated in the early 20th century but gained major prominence with the establishment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990s.
Hugely popular worldwide, the UFC and other promotions such as Bellator MMA and ONE Championship continue to hold events and produce superstar athletes.
MMA is not yet an Olympic sport, but its popularity continues to grow.
Latest Posts about Mixed Martial Arts
#3 Mountain biking
Emerging as a distinct sport in the 1970s in California, mountain biking requires riders to navigate off-road, rugged terrain on specially designed bicycles.
It has since become a popular adventure and competitive sport globally.
Mountain biking entered the Olympic scene at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, with cross-country races being the primary Olympic discipline.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships are renowned international competitions in the sport.
#4 Muay Thai
Originally known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that employs strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Dating back to the 18th century, Muay Thai transformed from a battlefield fighting skill into a popular spectator sport.
Today, it’s practiced around the world, and high-level competitions include the Lumpinee Championship and Rajadamnern Stadium events in Thailand.
Amateur Muay Thai events have appeared at the World Games, and the sport is working towards Olympic recognition.
Latest Posts about Muay Thai
#5 Motocross
Evolving from early 20th century motorcycle trial competitions in the United Kingdom, motocross is an off-road motorcycle racing sport consisting of various terrain obstacles and extreme jumps.
It has become widely popular around the world, with the FIM Motocross World Championship and AMA Motocross Championship being standout competitions.
While not an Olympic sport, motocross continues to captivate fans and riders globally.
#6 Modern pentathlon
Established in the early 20th century by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, the modern pentathlon combines five disciplines.
Those disciplines are fencing, freestyle swimming, equestrian show jumping, and a final combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running.
The sport entered the Olympic program in 1912 and is still contested internationally today, with the Modern Pentathlon World Championships held annually.
#7 Marathon swimming
An endurance-based sport, marathon swimming involves athletes competing in open water races covering distances of 10 kilometers or more.
Originating alongside traditional marathon races, long-distance swimming gained popularity throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Official marathon swimming distances were brought to the Olympics in 2008, with the 10-kilometer open water event.
Latest Posts about Swimming
#8 Mallakhamb
Mallakhamb, an ancient Indian sport, combines aspects of gymnastics, yoga, and aerial skills on a vertical wooden pole or rope.
The sport’s origins can be traced back to 12th-century India, where it was predominantly used as a form of training for wrestlers.
Although predominantly practiced in India, Mallakhamb has been showcased in international events like the World Mallakhamb Championship and continues to gain global interest.
#9 Marching band
While more of a performing art than a traditional sport, marching bands involve groups of musicians and visual ensembles who perform together using precisely choreographed routines.
Originating in the ancient world, marching bands have become an integral part of school and university athletic events throughout the United States, and a variety of competitions showcase the skills of band participants, such as the Bands of America Grand Nationals and Drum Corps International Championships.
#10 Muggle Quidditch
Based on the fictional sport of Quidditch from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Muggle Quidditch adapts the game for real-life athletes.
First played in 2005 in the United States, the sport has grown in popularity worldwide, with organized leagues and tournaments like the Quidditch World Cup and the European Quidditch Cup.
Muggle Quidditch includes elements from rugby, dodgeball, and tag, and is a fun way to combine athletics with the magical world of Harry Potter.
More Sports with M
- Mountain running: Ascend and conquer steep inclines, trails, and off-road terrain in this challenging discipline. With events like the World Mountain Running Championships, this sport tests endurance and agility while tackling elevated courses.
- Motorsport: From Formula 1 and NASCAR to motorcycle racing, motorsport encompasses a wide range of thrilling high-speed competitions. Drawing fans worldwide, prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500 highlight the demand for speed and precision.
- Mogul skiing: A freestyle skiing discipline in which athletes navigate a course of moguls, which are small bumps made of snow. Competitions emphasize speed, turns, and aerial maneuvers. An Olympic sport since 1992, it’s part of the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup circuit.
- Mountaineering: Combining adventure, endurance, and technical skill, mountaineering involves climbing and traversing mountainous terrain. From high-altitude peaks to ice and rock climbing, the UIAA regulates standards and promotes environmental responsibility in the sport.
- Motoball (Motorcycle Polo): A unique combination of polo and soccer, played on motorcycles, motoball involves maneuvering a ball into a goal. Founded in the 1930s, the sport is most popular in Europe, where it’s played at the European Motoball Championship.
- Medieval martial arts (Historical European Martial Arts): Preserving the techniques and traditions of centuries-old combat, HEMA practitioners study historical sources to reconstruct and practice various fighting styles, including fencing, wrestling, archery, and mounted combat.
- Mud running: Push your limits with mud runs, obstacle courses that combine endurance, strength, and downright dirty fun. Popular events like Tough Mudder and Spartan Race create challenging courses, from mud pits to ice-cold water obstacles, to test participants’ grit.
- Midget car racing: A motorsport subcategory, midget car racing features small, open-wheel race cars. Popularized in the United States during the mid-20th century, it’s now an international sport, with series like the Australian Speedway Championship attracting global fans.
- Model aircraft racing: Combining precision, agility, and technology, model aircraft racing involves piloting remote-controlled aircraft through challenging courses. The FAI World Championship for Space Models and Drone Racing League are notable events in this unique sport.
- Mountainboarding: A hybrid sport combining snowboarding, skateboarding, and off-road techniques, mountainboarding allows enthusiasts to ride on dirt and grass when snow is scarce. A growing sport, it is represented by the International Mountainboarding Association.
- Miniature golf: A fun, scaled-down version of traditional golf, miniature golf is played on small, obstacle-laden courses. Requiring precision and strategy, the sport is popular for family outings and recreational play, with large-scale tournaments such as the Masters of Miniature Golf Championship.
FAQ
Which sports start with the letter M?
Some of the sports that start with the letter M include Marathon running, Mixed martial arts (MMA), Mountain biking, Muay Thai, Motocross, Modern pentathlon, Marathon swimming, Mallakhamb, Marching band, Muggle Quidditch, Mountain running, Motorsport, Mogul skiing, Mountaineering, Motoball (Motorcycle Polo), Medieval martial arts (Historical European Martial Arts), Mud running, Midget car racing, Model aircraft racing, and Mountainboarding.
What is the most popular sport that starts with M?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is arguably the most popular sport that starts with the letter M. It is a full-contact combat sport combining various fighting techniques and disciplines, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) being its most significant and widely recognized organization. MMA has gained substantial global popularity through exciting events and high-profile athletes.
