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The 1908 Olympic marathon was 26.2 miles so the royal family could watch the finish
The course ran from Windsor Castle to the White City Stadium so the start was below the royal nursery and the finish was in front of the royal box. The exact 26 miles 385 yards became the standard marathon distance.
The marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yards—now run worldwide—was set at the 1908 London Olympics for a very specific reason: to connect Windsor Castle with the White City Stadium, allowing the royal family to watch both the start and the finish. [1][2]
The race began on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle on 24 July 1908. The start line was placed directly below the royal nursery windows so the children of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra could watch the runners set off. The course then wound through west London to the White City Stadium, where the finish line was placed in front of the royal box. [1][2]
How the distance was measured
The exact length was not planned as a round number. The course was measured to fit the route from Windsor to the stadium, and the final 385 yards were added so the finish would be opposite the royal box. The total came to 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 kilometers). [1][3]
Before 1908, marathon distances at the Olympics varied. The 1896 Athens race was about 40 kilometers, and the 1904 St. Louis race was 24.85 miles. The 1908 distance was the first to be standardized for an Olympics. [2][3]
From one race to a global standard
- 1908
The London Olympic marathon is run over 26 miles 385 yards, from Windsor Castle to the White City Stadium.
- 1921
The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) adopts 42.195 kilometers as the official marathon distance.
- Today
The distance is used for major marathons worldwide, from Boston to Tokyo.
The 1908 race itself became famous for a dramatic finish: Italian runner Dorando Pietri entered the stadium first but collapsed repeatedly and was helped across the line. He was disqualified, and the gold medal went to American Johnny Hayes. The image of Pietri’s struggle helped cement the marathon’s reputation for extreme endurance. [3]
The royal connection was partly practical. Edward VII and Alexandra were patrons of the games, and the route allowed them to view the start from Windsor and the finish from the royal box at White City. The distance stuck because it was used at the 1908 Games and later ratified by the IAAF. [1][2]
Sources
- London 1908 Marathon - Olympic.org International Olympic Committee
- The 1908 Olympic Marathon Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Marathon History: The Distance and the 1908 Olympics World Athletics
