School · Running culture and science · 50 s .
Why 42.195 km
A short history of the marathon.
The legend says the messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to announce a victory, and collapsed on arrival.
The first Olympic marathon, Athens 1896, was about 40 km. At London 1908 the course ran from Windsor Castle to the royal box in the stadium: 42.195 km.
That distance became the official standard in 1921.
The extra 195 metres are a royal detour.
Quick check .
Where were the 42.195 km set?
The course ran from Windsor Castle to the royal box; it became official in 1921.