How did a full marathon become a 42 km race?
The first marathon, held in 1896 at the Summer Olympics in Athens, followed the approximate distance of the legendary run of the Greek messenger Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens, estimated to be around 40 km. However, the exact distance of the marathon has varied over the years, until it was standardized in 1921 by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) at 42.195 km.
The reason for this adjustment is rooted in the 1908 London Olympics. The organizers planned a slightly longer course than the traditional 40 km, starting from Windsor Castle and ending at the White City Stadium. The course measured exactly 26 miles and 385 yards, or approximately 42.195 km. This distance became the official marathon distance and has remained so ever since.
Related Questions and Answers
- What was the approximate distance of the first marathon?
- Around 40 km
- Who set the standardized marathon distance?
- The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF)
- What was the reason for adjusting the marathon distance in 1908?
- To accommodate a longer course at the London Olympics.
- What is the current official marathon distance?
- 42.195 km
- How many miles is the official marathon distance?
- 26 miles and 385 yards
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