Original Marathon Doubles...again

Original Marathon bib numbers

London's Original Marathon, along the route of the first EVER 26.2 mile marathon, has doubled again!

Our first event, Original Marathon VII in 2024 was designed to replicate the 'original Original Marathon' exactly. This included the same route, a replica medal, a certificate of merit and even the exact same finish line as the London 1908 Olympic Games marathon race. This also meant that our first Original Marathon event had just 75 entrants, same as the Marathon Race of the London 1908 Olympic Games.

The London 1908 Olympic Games, had 75 entrants, 55 starters, 28 finishers, one of which was famously disqualified (Dorando Pietri ITA).

Our following event, Original Marathon VIII in 2025 doubled in size to 150 entrants. Original Marathon VIII fell on the same day as International Women's Day, and so in respect to women, who weren't allowed to compete in the marathon until 1984, we wanted to double the event to reflect their struggle to compete at the distance, which was 88 years after the first Olympic Marathon in 1896!

Fast forward to Original Marathon IX (2026), we have doubled again. Demand has led us to increase the size of the event again. We now have two wave starts (10-10:30am) and 11:30am - 12pm). We hope you can join us for Original Marathon IX and help us honour the legends of 1908, share their amazing story and celebrate their legacy.

More info on 1908 here.