On This Day July 24

Originally the marathon was 25 miles. It was extended to 26 miles for the July 24, 1908 London Olympics race so that King Edward's grandchildren could watch the start of the marathon and Queen Alexandria could see the finish from the royal box. The organizers decided on a course of 26 miles from the start at Windsor Castle to the royal entrance to the White City Stadium, followed by a lap  of the track, finishing in front of the Royal Box.

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