Original Marathon

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Original Marathon – London’s newest, oldest marathon returns

Original Marathon is back! Original Marathon is the route of the first EVER 26.2 mile marathon. The event, only the 9th running of an event on this famous course, is Saturday 7 March 2026. This is your opportunity to run in the footsteps of legends in London’s newest, oldest marathon. Celebrate London’s rich sporting history and heritage with the re-creation of this famous Windsor to London route.

Event dates: Saturday 7 March. Lace up your running shoes and prepare to take on the “Original Marathon”. This ‘new’ marathon retraces the iconic route of the first-ever 26.2mile marathon (Windsor to White City).

The now global standard marathon distance of 26 miles, 385 yards was first set at the London 1908 Olympic Games. Previous marathons were held over varying distances. The 1908 race had an amazing story which captivated the world and included; a distance influenced by royalty, an exhausted runner, a controversial disqualification and a special cup awarded by the Queen (see the full story below).

Original Marathon aims to honour the pioneers of marathon running, celebrate their legacy and share their amazing story.

Run in the Footsteps of Legends

Original Marathon enables participants to run in the very footsteps of the legends of 1908. This unique running experience allows runners to connect with the legacy of marathon running, drawing inspiration from those who paved the way over a century ago and to tick off a true bucket-list challenge.

In keeping with the ethos of the Original Marathon only a limited number of places will be available for the challenge. In 1908 only 28 competitors finished. Such was the feat of completing a marathon in 1908, that all finishers were awarded a special Diploma of Merit, something the organisers have recreated, along with a replica 1908 Olympic medal.

London’s Newest, Oldest Marathon

Original Marathon proudly takes its place as London’s newest, oldest marathon by following the historic route of the 1908 Olympic Games marathon. Original Marathon is not a race, and the event is not closed road. Runners will depart in paced groups, with a run/pace guide to follow. The results are displayed alongside the 1908 results, giving a fascinating comparison.

Celebrating the Rich Sporting History and Heritage of London:
The runners will not only experience the physical challenge of the marathon but also immerse themselves in the rich sporting history and heritage of London. The route includes running past an original waymarking sign in Eton (still on a wall from 117 years ago! – see accompanying image), past Wembley stadium and finish at the location of the actual 1908 finish line, which has been respectfully preserved in White City Place.

Event Highlights

1.    Historical Significance: Runners will run the exact route that made history during the 1908 Olympics as the first ever 26.2 mile marathon. A must-do event for any marathon runner.

2.    Iconic Landmarks: The original 1908 sign in Eton, the actual finish line location and a journey through the London neighbourhoods travelled through by Olympians.

3.    Commemorative medal: a recreation of the actual 1908 medal and a special Diploma of Merit for all finishers

4.    Celebration of the marathon community: The Original Marathon aims to bring together runners of all levels to celebrate the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the marathon.

5.    Charitable Cause: Run for our amazing charity partner, Aspire who are a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury.

“Aspire is delighted to be involved in such an exciting project. We are a charity that seeks out interesting endurance events and the Original Marathon is a unique and fascinating challenge to raise money for people paralysed by a spinal cord injury.”  Brian Carlin, Chief Executive Officer, Aspire

Registration for the Original Marathon is almost sold out. Just a few charity places remain.