Why The Marathon Is 26.2 Miles

The marathon distance was not set by tradition, but by a 1908 royal request to start the race at Windsor Castle and end in front of the Queen’s box. This specific route created the 26.2 mile standard we use today.

Before 1908, marathons were roughly 25 miles long, varying based on the city. British organizers adjusted the distance so the starting line would be perfectly positioned for the young Princes to watch the race begin. Italian runner Dorando Pietri famously collapsed near the finish, leading to a dramatic disqualification that added to the event's legend. This one-off detour eventually became the global standard for all professional marathons in 1921.