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Why is the marathon 41 km?
This route, as it existed when the Olympics were revived in 1896, was approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) long, and this was the approximate distance originally used for marathon races.
Why did the distance of the marathon change from 40 km to 42.195 km?
The london race in 1908 The British officials, desirous to accommodate the King of England, started the race at Windsor Castle and finished at the Royal box in the Olympic Stadium—a distance of precisely 26 miles 385 yards. But that only explains why the London marathon’s distance was 42. 195 km.
Why is a marathon 27 miles?
The idea for the modern marathon was inspired by the legend of an ancient Greek messenger who raced from the site of Marathon to Athens, a distance of about 40 kilometers, or nearly 25 miles, with the news of an important Greek victory over an invading army of Persians in 490 B.C. After making his announcement, the …
Why are marathons called marathons?
The event is named after the legendary 26-mile run made by a Greek soldier called Philippides (also known as Pheidippides) from the scene of the battle of Marathon to Athens, where he announced the defeat of the invading Persians. This distance was standardised at 26 miles 385 yards (42.195km) in 1921.
Why is a marathon the distance that it is?
According to legend, a messenger named Pheidippides ran 40-kilometers, or roughly 25-miles, from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce a Greek military victory. Pheidippides then promptly dropped dead. In 1921, the IAAF made it the official distance of the marathon.
How long is the Olympic marathon in km?
42.195km
The longest race on the Olympic programme, athletes run a distance of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195km).
How did marathon get its distance?
In the 1908 London Olympics, the marathon started at Windsor Castle and finished in the White City stadium, measuring 26 miles. Until that point, the marathon distance was roughly 24 miles, inspired by the ancient route run by Pheidippides.
How many km is a marathon?
Why is the distance of a marathon 42 kilometers?
The official distance for a marathon is 42.195 km. But why is it so? Most of the non marathon runners I ask the question answer that this weird number must be due to the conversion from imperial units to the metric system (or the other way round).
Why is the London Marathon 26 miles?
The london race in 1908. It is commonly said that the distance was set to 26 miles 385 yards because of the Royal family. During the preparation of the summer Olympiads, it had been agreed that the organizers would include a marathon of about 40 km or 25 miles.
What was the distance chosen for the 1908 London Marathon?
The distance chosen was the one ran in London in 1908 : 26 miles 385 yards or 42.195 km. The london race in 1908. It is commonly said that the distance was set to 26 miles 385 yards because of the Royal family. During the preparation of the summer Olympiads, it had been agreed that the organizers would include a marathon of about 40 km or 25 miles.
Why did the IAAF change the distance of the Olympic marathon?
The new distance aroused a discussion among IAAF members. In 1921, the fifth IAAF Congress took place in Geneva.The IAAF minutes are reportedly silent as to the reason the 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 kilometers) was chosen in 1921.