London Marathon - The World's Biggest

Facts about the World's biggest Marathon Race

Did you know?

• The current marathon distance was first used at the 1908 Olympic Games. The race length was increased by an extra 385 yards from the 26 miles (the distance from Windsor to London) so that the race would finish in front of the royal box at the White City stadium. Today if the original Olympic distance was run you would almost end up on the steps of Buckingham Palace!!!

• The marathon derives its name from the story of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier who ran the distance of approximately 39 km (24 miles) from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens with the news of a Greek victory over the Persians in 490 BC.

• The man responsible for the race, Chris Brasher, saw the New York Marathon in October 1979. He wrote an article for the London Observer called "The World's Most Human Race". The article ended "I wonder whether London could stage such a festival? We have the course, a magnificent course ... but do we have the heart and hospitality to welcome the world?"

• The race was set up by the London Marathon Charitable Trust Ltd. They have one key proviso - London residents should never be asked to bail them out from local taxes.

• The first race was held on 29 March 1981. It was sponsored by Gillette for UKŁ 50,000 (US$ 75,000). Almost 8,000 took part from an original entry of 20,000 people.

  The aims of the London Marathon are:

  1. To improve the overall standard and status of British Marathon running.
  2. To show to mankind that on occasion the Family of Man can be united
  3. To raise money for the provision of recreational facilities in London.
  4. To help London tourism.
  5. To prove that when it comes to organising major events, 'Britain is best'.
  6. To have fun and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world.

Marathon Records:

• Marathon World Records - Men and Women from Runners World

Next Year's London Marathon

Entries normally open in August

• Entry forms will be available from selected sports shops throughout the UK - phone the ASICS Help Line 01925 417744 for details.

• Overseas runners should contact Sports Tours International (+44 161 703 8161) who are the official Overseas Entry/Accommodation agents.