DID YOU KNOW?

The marathon distance wasn't always 26.2 miles...

The Ancient Legend

- Artistic illustration of a Greek messenger running with a scroll in his hand, with the city of Athens in the distance. - The legend says Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce their victory over the Persians...

The 1908 London Olympics Twist

- The modern marathon distance was standardized at the 1908 London Olympics... - ย ...but it wasn't based on Pheidippides' run!

A Royal Request!

- The starting line was moved specifically to be in front of the Royal Box at Windsor Castle... - The finish line was adjusted to be in front of the royal viewing platform at the Olympic stadium. ๐Ÿ‘‘

The Standard is Set

- This adjustment resulted in the now official distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). - A distance born not from ancient legend, but from royal convenience! ๐Ÿ˜‰