RUN IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS

Run the legendary Original Marathon – the first EVER 26.2 mile marathon.  The first marathons had varying distances but a famous race changed all that: The London 1908 Olympic Games marathon ran from 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.

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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 as officials had helped him to his feet.

 

Sympathy for Dorando led the Queen to award him a special cup. This race was famous across the world. 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.

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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.

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Now, the Original Marathon is back and this is your chance to run in the footsteps of legends.

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See the official Olympic footage of the 1908 race here.

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