What Unusual Distance Became the Standard Marathon?

💡 The Answer

• The original marathon distance was about 40 km (the run from Marathon to Athens).
• The 1908 London Olympics extended the race to 42.195 km to start at Windsor Castle.
• This allowed the royal family to watch the start from the castle grounds.
• The finish was placed directly in front of the royal box at the Olympic Stadium.
• In 1921, the IAAF fixed the official marathon distance at exactly 42.195 km.