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The 26 Mile Marathon Is Actually 26 Miles, 385 Yards
Sports Trivia
The well known 26 mile marathon has actually been 26 miles, 385 yards since 1908. Before the 1908 Olympics the official marathon distance was exactly 26 miles. For the 1908 Olympics in London, England it was decided that the royal family needed a better view of the finish line. The race started at Windsor Castle and organizers added an extra 385 yards to the race so the finish line would be in front of the royal box.
From that point forward the marathon distance became 26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 kilometres). The International Assiciation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) adopted the distance as the "official" marathon distance in 1921.
Posted: 2004-08-10 3:41:28 PM
This fact has been viewed 16159 times.
2004-08-10 | Historical Events |
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