According to legend, Pheidippides ran from the Greek City of Marathon all the way to Athens in order to deliver news of an Athenian victory in their battle against the Persians, thereby inspiring the long-distance race. However, the current distance wasn't standardized until the 1908 London Olympics. The course was laid out from Windsor Castle to White City stadium, about 26 miles. However, to locate the finish line in front of the royal family's viewing box, an extra 385 yards was added inside the stadium.
