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OUR MISSION:
- Honour the legends of 1908
- Celebrate their legacy
- Share their inspiring story
Checkout the story of the first ever 26.2 mile marathon:
Now, the first and most famous ever 26.2 mile marathon returns...
Run the legendary Original Marathon route - the first EVER 26.2 mile marathon. The 26 mile, 385 yard distance is recognised globally as the standard marathon distance, but it wasn't always that way...
The first marathons had varying distances but a famous race changed all that: The London 1908 Olympic Games marathon ran from inside the grounds of Windsor Castle to The White City Stadium, finishing in front of the Royal Box. It was July 1908, a very hot day and the race started at 11.30am.
An original sign from the 1908 Olympic Marathon route - still proudly displayed on a wall in Eton
Exhausted and wearing a knotted handkerchief to protect him from the sun, Dorando Pietri (Italy) entered the stadium in the lead. He went the wrong way, fell 5 times, crossed the line first but was disqualified following an appeal by the second-placed USA team, as officials had helped him to his feet.
Sympathy from around the world for Dorando led the Queen to award him a special cup. This race and the marathon distance became famous across the globe. The 26.2 mile distance stuck and has been the global standard ever since (although it was only officially ratified in 1924). Every marathon ever run owes some small debt of gratitude to these legends of 1908.
A legacy event was established following this famous race and is STILL the longest running European marathon (only the Boston Marathon has a longer history). This legacy event (Polytechnic Marathon) ran from 1909 to 1996 and boasted 8 world records set on its course.
Now, the Original Marathon is back and this is your chance to run in the footsteps of legends. Run the route of the VERY first 26.2 mile marathon.
Event entry is now open. You can also get a half price entry and run for our amazing charity partner, Aspire.
REPLICA MEDAL - London 1908 Olympic Games
All finishers receive a replica 1908 medal and presentation box:
In 1908, as an acknoweldgement of significant achievement, all finishers in the Olympic Marathon received a Diploma of Merit. As we're recreating the whole experience, we did not want our finishers to miss out, so on crossing the finish line, you too, will receive your own 'Diploma of Merit':
LONDON'S NEWEST, OLDEST MARATHON
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Finish Original Marathon and you will receive:
- 1908 replica medal
- 1908 replica medal presentation box
- Diploma of Merit awarded to every finisher
- Your finish time/position presented within the 1908 results
- Original Marathon T Shirts and Hoodies available for purchase
