A 1908 Olympic Legacy

OLYMPIC LEGACY - We are 21 years on from London winning the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. And 14 years (almost exactly) on from the events themselves. In 2012, London became the first ever city to host 3 Olympic Games, something which Paris achieved in 2024 and LA will achieve in 2028.

London 2012's winning pitch was built on legacy. Some Olympic-legacy events have come and gone (or on 'indefinite pause'), others have flourished. The transformation at Stratford is probably a very good example of the legacy working. But did you know that there was a 'legacy event' from the very first London Olympics in 1908?

The Polytechnic Marathon ran between 1909 and 1996, and is STILL the longest running marathon in Europe. The 'Poly' was finally overtaken by the big city marathons and hit the wall. However, the event was steeped in history - 8 world records were set on its course.

So, back in 2024, we decided that this particular part of London's rich sporting heritage needed preserving and recreating. After all, it was the route of the first ever 26.2 mile marathon! Original Marathon was born.

The White City Stadium (the finish line of the marathon) is now long-demolished, but in its place, the White City Place developers Stanhope plc recognised the cultural significance of the site and thoughtfully commemorated the actual location of the London 1908 finish line in stone and with an Olympic plaque.

The route of the 'Poly' changed a few times. It first finished at Stamford Bridge, then later moved to Chiswick. The actual route of the London 1908 Olympic Marathon (the first ever 26.2 mile marathon) was only ever run in 1908 (Olympic Marathon Race), 1933-37 (Polytechnic Marathon), and then again as Original Marathon in 2024-26.

So, we're now excited to launch only the 10th ever running of an event on the route of the first ever 26.2 mile marathon - London's original marathon returns 13 March 2027. A chance to run in the footsteps of legends...