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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/run-why-26-2-miles

Why is the marathon 26.2 miles instead of a round number?

It copies the 1908 London Olympic course, Windsor Castle to the stadium.

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  1. It matches the 1908 London Olympic course ✔
  2. It is the exact route of an ancient Greek messenger
  3. It is 42 km plus one lap of a track

Why: The 1908 London Olympic marathon started at Windsor Castle and finished in front of the Royal Box at White City Stadium, 26 miles 385 yards away. That fairly random distance became the official marathon length in 1921.

Huh, didn't know that: Olympedia says the popular story that the start was placed so young princes could watch from the nursery is false.

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Why did the 1908 marathon end by the Royal Box? The runners wanted a crowning finish.
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References

Answer: It matches the 1908 London Olympic course. The 1908 London Olympic marathon started at Windsor Castle and finished in front of the Royal Box at White City Stadium, 26 miles 385 yards away. That fairly random distance became the official marathon length in 1921.

  1. Olympedia: 1908 Summer Olympics, Marathon, Men www.olympedia.org/results/56369
    The distance to the finish in front of the Royal Box in the White City Stadium was precisely 26 miles, 385 yards
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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