Question 1

Where and when was the first ever 26.2 mile marathon?

Accepted Answer

The first ever 26.2 mile marathon was in the London 1908 Olympic Games. The route ran from Windsor Castle to the White City Stadium in Shepherd's Bush, London.

Original Marathon is recreating this historic route and run.

Many may have heard of the myth of Pheidippides and his run as a messenger in ancient Greece. This story was the inspiration for Baron de Coubertain (founder of the Modern Olympics) for creating the marathon event. There was no marathon in the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, but the story was well known and a great inspiration for a new sporting challenge.

The very first Olympic Marathon was in Athen 1896 at the inaugural Games, and it is only one of 8 events that has been ever present ever since. The first marathons were of varying distances, until London 1908, which set the now global standard for the marathon distance.

Question 2

Is the route identical to 1908?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes. There are some small sections where roads have been built in the last 116 years, which do not have footpaths, where we will deviate very slightly from the route.

Also it is worth noting that Original Marathon will be over 26.2 miles. The original 1908 route was on closed roads, whereas Original Marathon is not. We run on footpaths and will at times need to navigate roundabouts by crossing at pedestrian crossings etc, which can each add a small amount of distance.

As a result, this is unlikely to be a PB course, but it is definitely a course to tick off the bucket list. The medal, presentation box and Diploma of Merit are extra special momentos of your achievement of running the route of the first EVER 26.2 mile marathon.

Question 3

When can I enter Original Marathon?

Accepted Answer

The direct entry to Original Marathon will open from 16 June 2025.

A limited number of Launch Tickets will be available from 19 June 2025. Following the sell out of the Launch Tickets, a ballot will be held to distribute the remaining tickets.

To be first to hear of ticket information - register your interest

To read more about the event go to our home page

Question 4

Is there a medal?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We have commissioned a replica medal from the London 1908 Olympic Marathon Race. The medal is a very cool coin, set it it's own presentation box, also a replica of what was awarded in 1908.

Question 5

Is the route marked?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the route is marked and the details of which will be briefed in the pre-run briefing.

A GPX file will be shared pre-event and you have the option to run with optional Pace groups (at various pace levels). If you decide to run in a pace group, our Pacers and your fellow runners in that run group may help make this a social experience, as well as a bucket list challenge to complete.

Question 6

What happens if I take a charity place?

Accepted Answer

If you select a charity place, you'll get half price entry in the agreement that you fundraise a minimum of £350 for Aspire. Aspire is a national charity who offer support to the 50,000 people in the UK paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, so all the funds you raise make a huge difference to their work.

Question 7

Who are the charity Aspire?

Accepted Answer

Every four hours someone is paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, and there is no cure. Disability is expensive, so Aspire offers practical help to people with a spinal cord injury to support them in living independently. For more information please visit aspire.org.uk or get in touch at juliet.hume@aspire.org.uk

Question 8

Can I fundraise for Aspire if I don't take a charity place?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Any funds you raise will help support people paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, so anything you raise is greatly appreciated and makes a huge difference. The Aspire team are here to support you, so please email kathryn.boyd@aspire.org.uk for more information. There is no minimum fundraising if you secure your own place.

Question 9

Is there a baggage service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, small bags will be transported to the finish - free of charge. We kindly ask our participants to only bring essentials in their bag. All bags for the baggage service must be 'small'. No hard/large cases allowed.

Question 10

What are the parking, travel and getting to/from the start/finish arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Original Marathon is an A to B route - Windsor Castle to White City (London), so you'll need to consider how you either get to the start or back from the finish.

If you are driving - you can park in Windsor and get public transport back, post-run. Or park in White City and travel to the start by public transport. The start times are from 10:00 - 10:30am and 11:30 - 12:00pm, so there is plenty of time to get the start on time if you are parking at White City.

We will have a baggage service, travelling from the start to the finish, so you have the ability to give us a small bag to carry for you to collect at the finish in White City. These bags need to be tagged with your race number.

The start location is Church Street Gardens, Windsor, SL4 1PB (or What3Words ///walks.tight.sheep). The start is just 0.3 miles from Windsor and Eton Riverside station, and just a tiny bit further from the adjacent Queens Car park (Windsor SL4 1QG).

If you park at the finish, you can park at Westfield - more info here. Car Park A is open from 5am to 3am. The Westfield Shopping Centre is open 10am to 9pm on Saturdays.

Getting to the start:
Windsor is well serviced by trains, roads and buses. We recommend using public transport, where possible. There is ample parking in Windsor - please checkout the parking info here.

Trains to Windsor:
AM: There are 8 trains from Clapham Junction to Windsor on the morning of the event. Journey time is from 43 Mins. If you park at the finish (Westfield), the overground train from Shepherd's Bush to Clapham Junction will be a useful connection. These generally run every 15 mins and take just 12 mins.

Another way to Windsor by train is via the new Elizabeth Line. Travel from White City or Shepherds Bush, west to Ealing Broadway via the Central Line. Then via the Elizabeth Line to Slough (please note that Oyster Cards are not valid past Hayes and Harlington, so you'll need a ticket. You can then either get a train to Windsor Central (takes 6 mins) or a bus to Windsor.

Question 11

When will registration open?

Accepted Answer

Registration will open:

Charity tickets on sale from 16 June
Launch Tickets (general entry) on sale from 19 June
A ballot will be held to distribute the remaining tickets

If you want to register your interest for a future event - register your interest to be first to hear when our future events open

Question 12

When does the Original Marathon start?

Accepted Answer

The starts are arranged by pace group. The first starts will be around 10:00 - 10:30am, with a second round of starts between 11:30am - 12:00pm. You will be notified of your start time/group closer to the event date. The start times are based on your estimated completion time, which you enter at registration.

The slower runners will be given earlier start times. Faster runners will be given later start times.

The first ever 26.2 mile marathon (1908) started at 11:30am, so we're keen to replicate as many of the features of that race as possible.

Question 13

Will I get a time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every participant will get a time.

There are different wave starts, based on your predicted speed, as submitted on your entry. The event is a paced run but you're welcome to run outside of your allocated pace group. Your finish times will be listed and also compared to the finish times of the 1908 race. Results will be published and shared.

Question 14

Do I have to run with my pace group?

Accepted Answer

No, you can run outside of your allocated pace group if you wish. We do recommend that you run with at least one other runner for safety purposes.

The route is marked to assist anyone who is not in a pace group.

Our guides know the route and will also be able to show you points of interest along the way. We encourage entrants to submit a realistic and reasonable pace (ie not equivalent to your marathon PB) as this is not a closed road event and road crossings are made at pedestrian crossings.

Question 15

What happens if I join a pace group but don't want to run at that speed?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you choose a pace group that you can comfortably keep with.

You do not have to run with a pace group - you will be given a GPX file pre-event and the route will be marked.

However, if you want to run quicker than the pace group, you can.

If you want to run slower than the pace group, you can also. Most pace groups will be arranged so that the group behind are paced at a slightly slower group than the one ahead, so dropping back to join the group behind is possible and that will enable you to keep to a slightly slower pace.

Not all pace groups will have this ability to drop back (ie the quickest pace group will be the last to start), but the majority of runners will have this ability.

Not all start groups will be allocated a pacer.

Question 16

How do I log into my Active account?

Accepted Answer

To logon (if you have already entered the event) you'll need your email and password you set for your Active registration. Please use this guide.

To login to your Active account, please click here

Question 17

Can I get a refund or defer?

Accepted Answer

We operate a flexible policy, however refunds and deferrals are not possible. If you buy a place and can no longer attend, you can transfer your place to someone else (if completed by 1 March 2026). There is a transfer fee of £20.

If you are unable to transfer your place to someone else, then if you contact us any time before the event day to cancel, we will cancel your place and offer you a priority entry to the next event, along with a discount on the entry fee.

Any merchandise purchased by you is non refundable. All merchandise is collected at the event.

Question 18

How do I transfer my place?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to attend the event, you can transfer to someone else, if done before 1 March 2026.

Firstly, you'll need to log into your Active account (see above FAQ). Then you'll need to select TRANSFER and enter the details of who you are transferring to. There is a transfer fee of £20.

Question 19

What is the start time?

Accepted Answer

The starts are arranged in small waves/groups. Many of the waves will have a designated Race Pacing pacer.

The start waves are organised dependant on your estimated completion times. Starts are from 10:00am to 10:30am and 11:30am to 12:00pm. The 1908 event started at 11:30am. The reason for the London 1908 11:30am start time was to allow time for the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle to be completed.

Start times are arranged depending on your estimated completion times. If you want to start in the same wave as a friend, we recommend you both enter the same estimated completion time, although please make sure that both of you can comfortably achieve that pace.

Question 20

Can I change my start time?

Accepted Answer

Start times cannot be changed from after the start times are published.

Start times are based on your estimated completion times, stated in your registration. You will be reminded (by email) to update your estimated completion time ahead of the start times being published. You can update your estimated completion time by logging back into your Active account and amending that question. Help to log back in to Active is available in our FAQ's.

Please be aware that the earlier waves are for slower runners. Faster runners start later. If fast runners start in the early waves, there is a chance that various support on route and at the finish may not be in place by the time of arrival. Therefore, we do need all runners to include realistic estimated completion times in their registration.

If two or more friends want to start in the same wave, they must enter the same estimated completion time.

Question 21

Is there a cut off time?

Accepted Answer

Participants starting between 10:00 and 10:30am will have longer to complete the course, but will need to finish before 17:30. The earlier start times (10-10.30am) will be allocated to the slowest 'Estimated completion times' on the registration forms. You can update your estimated completion time at any stage up to 25 Feb.

Runners starting in the later waves (11:30-12pm) have up to 5:30-6:00 hours to complete the course, with the end of the event planned for 17:30 (depending on start time). However, we only permit runners with an estimated completion time of 5 hours or less in the later starts (11:30am - 12:00pm)

The cut off time is 3:00pm at Checkpoint 3 (Harrow). Participants who have not passed Checkpoint 3 by 3:00pm will be directed onto public transport to travel to the finish.

Question 22

Can I buy more merchandise after entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Simply log into your Active account (see below) and click Purchase merchandise.

Some merchandise is limited in stock and may have sold out. All merchandise is collected at the event.

Question 23

How does the ballot work?

Accepted Answer

The Original Marathon ballot is a random draw. It is put in place to allocate fairly the remaining places in the event due to over demand. Entry to the ballot can be at any time during the specified ballot window. There is no advantage to an early or late entry, as long as the entry is made between the open and close dates/times.

Entrant details and payment details are taken at time of ballot entry. Payment is only charged if successful.

The ballot will be drawn shortly after the end of the ballot window.

All ballot entrants are notified automatically whether they have been successful or unsuccessful in the ballot.

Question 24

Are the Original Marathon t shirts for sale - cotton?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are cotton. They did not have tech t shirts in 1908, so we thought everyone would like to stay traditional :)

Question 25

I am not an entrant but I'd like to buy some merchandise

Accepted Answer

If you haven't entered but would still like to buy some merchandise - please ask a friend who has entered to purchase some merchandise on your behalf.

Question 26

How far is Original Marathon?

Accepted Answer

The London 1908 Olympic Games Marathon Race was the first ever at 26.2 mile distance. Original Marathon follows this route, however Original Marathon is not on closed roads, therefore small amounts of extra distance are added at various road crossings, roundabouts etc. The Original Marathon total distance is therefore around 27.5 miles.

That said, even in marathons of the exact distance of 26.2 miles it is almost impossible to run that exact distance. The majority of runners in marathons typically cover in excess of 26.2 miles.

Question 27

Is the event closed road?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately not. We have recreated the 1908 route, but as I'm sure you can understand, for such a limited number of entrants, we are not able to close the roads.

The route will be marked and on footpaths.

The route is a recreation of the 1908 Olympic marathon, the first ever 26.2 mile marathon. Our route, due to not being on closed roads and due to some road/footpath changes is  over 26.2 miles.

Question 28

How much is it to enter?

Accepted Answer

The entry fee is £75 per place for the General entry places, but you can enter for half this price (£37.50), by taking a charity place for our partners Aspire.

International entrants are charged £108 per place or £54 for a charity international place for Aspire.

All finishers will receive a replica 1908 medal, presentation box and diploma of merit. T shirts, hoodies and knotted handkerchieves (see Dorando Pietri) are optional extras.

Question 29

Are there any water stations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have 3 water stations on route, where you can top up on water and a few snacks. Details of where these are will be available in our pre-event information.

Question 30

Is there any provision for spectators?

Accepted Answer

Spectators are very welcome and a Spectator place (including access to the Windsor Corn Exchange is FREE. Spectator access passes will be available online closer to the event date.

WINDSOR:
The start of the event is in the centre of Windsor. We have a great registration venue with an exclusive viewing platform (Windsor Guildhall/CornExchange) which will give a great vantage point for the changing of the guard. The actual start location is just a few steps away from the registration venue.

The changing of the guard (weather permitting) happens at around 11am on our event day. Original Marathon spectators can gain access to this exclusive viewing platform by registering as a Spectator. This exclusive area will be wristband access only.

ON ROUTE:
The Original Marathon is hosted on open roads, so there will be a large number of ideal locations that your friends and family can see you from along the route. The route is also well serviced by public transport. We recommend making a plan for spectator travel to ensure you have enough time to travel to the different parts of the route to see your friends.

Many of the traditional pubs along the route will have been in existence in 1908, so some of these could be great places to watch the runners pass by. But please don't repeat what a spectator did to Charles Hefferon in 1908. Charles was in the lead, a spectator at a pub handed him a glass of Champagne as he passed, which Charles drank. Unfortunately, this led to him getting stomach cramps and dropping to 3rd place, although his place was upgraded to 2nd, after Dorando Pietri's disqualification.

FINISH:
The finish (White City Place) is also open to the public and spectators are very welcome to come along to the finish to cheer all our Original Marathon runners home. No tickets or pre-registration is required for the finish.

We look forward to welcoming all spectators to Original Marathon - thank you for your support.

Question 31

What are the entry terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

The entry terms and conditions are accepted on entry via our registration system. They can also be viewed here.

Frequently asked questions