The marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yards was established at the 1908 London Olympics. Previously, the race had been 24.8 miles long. However, King Edward wanted the race to start in front of Windsor Castle and end at the Olympic Stadium, in front of the Royal Box. It happened to be exactly 26 miles from Windsor Castle to the Stadium, and 385 yards around the track from the entrance to the Royal Box.
Chat with our AI personalities